What is a cohort in developmental psychology?

In developmental psychology, a cohort is defined as a group of people who are typically of the same age and who experience similar cultural, historical, or social experiences. This shared temporal context influences their development, behavior, and attitudes. Researchers often study cohorts to understand how life experiences at different ages can affect psychological development over time.

This concept is particularly relevant in longitudinal studies, where cohorts are tracked to see how changes in society and culture impact their psychological growth. By examining how individuals within a cohort respond to similar events or societal trends, psychologists can glean insights into developmental patterns and differences among groups.

While there are other groups mentioned, they do not capture the specific essence of a cohort as defined in this context. A group from different age ranges would not represent a singular cohort, since the defining characteristic of a cohort is the shared age and corresponding experiences. Similarly, a study group focused on cognitive development or an experimental group in a psychological study would refer to specific methodologies rather than the broader concept of a cohort in developmental psychology.