In which type of study does the researcher plan to collect data from participants over one year to observe changes in attitudes about smoking cessation?

A longitudinal study is characterized by the collection of data from the same participants repeatedly over a specified period, which, in this case, is one year. This methodology allows researchers to observe changes over time, making it particularly effective for understanding shifts in attitudes, behaviors, or conditions among the same group of individuals. In the context of observing changes in attitudes about smoking cessation, a longitudinal approach would enable the researcher to track how these attitudes evolve in response to various factors, such as social influences, health campaigns, or personal experiences related to smoking.

In contrast, a cross-sectional study captures data at a single point in time, assessing different participants at that moment rather than observing changes over time. An experimental study involves manipulating one or more variables to measure the outcome, focusing on cause-and-effect relationships rather than merely observing changes in attitudes. A correlational study looks for relationships between variables but does not involve time-based tracking or data collection from the same participants over the long term. Each of these alternatives serves different research purposes and methodologies, highlighting why the longitudinal study is the correct choice for tracking attitude changes over a year.