A cohort refers to which of the following?

A cohort is characterized by a group of people who share a common experience or characteristic during a specific period of time. This definition emphasizes the shared experience, which can include aspects such as age, educational experiences, or social events that bond the group during that timeframe. In demographic studies, a cohort allows researchers to analyze trends or changes in behaviors, attitudes, or outcomes over time as they relate to that shared experience.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately encompass the concept of a cohort. For instance, a group of individuals from various time periods lacks the defining characteristic of a shared experience within a specific timeframe, making it too broad. A random assortment of individuals does not meet the criteria of having a common experience or characteristic, and a group defined by geographical location could encompass a wide range of experiences and have little cohesion regarding common experiences. Therefore, the emphasis on a common experience during a specific period distinctly identifies the correct answer as representative of a cohort.