Cross-Sectional
A "Cross-Sectional" study is a type of research design that collects data at a single point in time. This method allows researchers to analyze various characteristics or variables within a population, such as age, gender, or health status, without following them over time. It provides a snapshot of the situation, making it useful for identifying patterns or associations.
These studies are often used in fields like public health and sociology to assess the prevalence of conditions or behaviors. However, they do not establish cause-and-effect relationships, as they do not track changes over time or account for temporal factors.