A "birth cohort" refers to a group of individuals who were born during the same time period, typically within a single year or a few years. Researchers often study these cohorts to understand how shared experiences, such as historical events or cultural shifts, influence their development and behaviors over time. For example, the Baby Boomers are a well-known birth cohort, consisting of people born between 1946 and 1964, following World War II. By analyzing different birth cohorts, sociologists and demographers can identify trends and patterns that affect various aspects of life, including health, education, and economic status.