A cohort, or group, refers to a collection of individuals who share a common characteristic or experience within a defined time period. This can include people born in the same year, students graduating from the same school, or participants in a specific study. Researchers often use cohorts to analyze trends and outcomes over time. Cohorts are essential in fields like epidemiology, education, and social sciences, as they help identify patterns and correlations among group members. By studying cohorts, researchers can better understand how certain factors influence behaviors, health, or academic performance, leading to more informed decisions and policies.