Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

What type of study collects and analyzes data from an entire population at a single point in time?

1. Single Subject Design

2. Cross-sectional Studies

3. Retrospective Study

4. Case Study

The correct answer is: Cross-sectional Studies

The type of study that collects and analyzes data from an entire population at a single point in time is a cross-sectional study. This research design allows for the examination of a particular phenomenon or characteristics of a population at a specific moment, providing a snapshot of the situation. Cross-sectional studies are particularly useful in identifying relationships and trends that may exist within the population without the element of time influencing the data collection since all data is gathered simultaneously. This can help researchers make inferences about the prevalence of certain characteristics or behaviors within that population, contributing valuable information to the fields of public health, sociology, and other social sciences. In contrast, the other options involve different methodologies or focus areas. A single subject design centers on detailed observation and analysis of one individual, rather than a broader population. A retrospective study looks back at past records or events to draw conclusions about a current situation, which inherently involves temporal elements and relationships. A case study focuses intensively on a specific individual or group, providing depth rather than breadth of data, as it generally examines unique cases in detail rather than population-level data at a single time point.