If a group of people is surveyed at different stages of their life, what type of survey is being conducted?

When surveying a group of people at different stages of their life, the research design being employed is referred to as a panel study. This approach involves collecting data from the same individuals over an extended period, allowing researchers to track changes and developments in behaviors, opinions, or statuses as these individuals age or move through various life transitions.

Panel studies are particularly valuable in social work research as they provide insights into how experiences, attitudes, and circumstances evolve over time within the same population. The strength of this method lies in its ability to illustrate trends and causal relationships by observing the same subjects repeatedly, which enhances the understanding of individual development and social changes.

In contrast, cross-sectional surveys involve taking a snapshot of a particular population at a single point in time, making it difficult to infer change over time. Longitudinal studies also track the same subjects over time, but they are typically designed with fewer periodic observations that may not necessarily focus on distinct life stages. A case study involves an in-depth analysis of a single instance or individual rather than tracking changes across a broader group over time. Therefore, the use of a panel survey in this context is what makes it the correct answer.