Cross-sectional research involves studying a sample of individuals at a single point in time to gather data about a specific population or phenomenon. This type of research allows researchers to observe and analyze various variables simultaneously, providing a snapshot of the relationships between these variables at that particular point in time. Cross-sectional research is often used to examine correlations between different factors, measure prevalence rates of certain conditions, or compare differences between groups. It is a commonly used method in epidemiology, social sciences, and market research.