Evidence‑Informed Practice (EIP) Comprehensive Practice Exam

The choice of a cross-sectional study is correct because it is specifically designed to analyze data at a single point in time. This type of research provides a snapshot of a population, examining the prevalence of a particular characteristic, condition, or behavior without considering the temporal changes or developments that might occur.

In a cross-sectional study, researchers collect data from participants and assess various variables simultaneously, which allows them to establish associations but does not enable them to determine causality. On the other hand, longitudinal studies track the same subjects over time to observe changes and developments, while case-control studies compare subjects with a specific outcome to those without it to identify potential risk factors retrospectively. Cohort studies follow a group of individuals sharing a characteristic over time to see how those characteristics affect outcomes. Thus, the nature of data collection and analysis in a cross-sectional study is distinctly suited for obtaining insights at one specific moment, making it the correct answer in this context.