What is the difference between a cross-sectional design and a longitudinal design? Which would be better for a researcher who wanted to avoid the influence of cohort effects?

What will be an ideal response?

A cross-sectional study compares groups of individuals of different ages at the same time. A longitudinal study follows a single group of individuals as they develop. A longitudinal study is better for avoiding the influence of cohort effects because the investigator studies people of the same cohort as they grow older.