Growing up in different settings
Consider how shared historical circumstances can influence groups born around the same time.
The picture in words
- Cohort
- A group sharing a birth period or formative historical experience.
- Context
- Social conditions and technologies shape opportunities.
- Interpretation
- Age-group comparisons can reflect both age and cohort differences.
Reading the illustration
The classroom example illustrates a possible cohort difference. A study would need evidence about the groups and their experiences.
Try a question
Why could different experiences with classroom technology complicate an age-group comparison?
Show the explanation
The groups may have encountered different tools and expectations while growing up. Those contextual differences can contribute alongside age-related processes.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/9-1-what-is-lifespan-developmentSelected rendered passages: Domains and research methods passages.
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/2-2-approaches-to-researchSelected rendered passages: Longitudinal/cross-sectional subsection.