A cohort is a group 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 class, or participants in a specific study. Researchers often use cohorts to analyze trends and outcomes over time. Cohorts are important in fields like epidemiology, education, and sociology, as they help identify patterns and relationships among different groups. By studying cohorts, researchers can better understand how certain factors influence behaviors, health, or academic performance, leading to more informed decisions and policies.