Research Designs. Have you ever participated in a research study during your adulthood? What do you know about it? What kind of research method do you guess that it was, based on the information in this chapter? If you were to expand the study design (pp. 45-54) so that its conclusions were generalizable to more adults, what could you do (and why would you do it?)

2. Design a Study. Think of a “burning question” you have about adulthood. Now imagine that you were given as much money and time as you needed to conduct a study that would answer the question you have. What would your question be? What research design would you use (pp. 50-60), and what methods (pp. 61-63) would you employ as part of that design? (Note: Mixed methods are often advantageous!)

Physical Changes in Adulthood

3. Facing Physical Change. This chapter outlines the many physical age-related changes that all adults face as they mature. Name two specific changes, each in a different area, that concern you (for example, male or female pattern hair loss may be a change in appearance that you dread or losing smell and taste may be a change in sensation and perception may seem particularly sad). When do you anticipate these changes? Will they be inevitable or are there things you can do about them?

4. The Price of Appearing Youthful. In some cultures, retaining the appearance of youth is given high priority. However, it comes at a cost. Think of a celebrity or athlete who is championed for a youthful appearance or unexpected strength in midlife. What is required to “turn back time” on the physical changes discussed in this chapter? What costs, in addition to monetary costs, can be incurred?