Classifying the Research Design

The study described aims to understand the attitudes towards fate among French citizens *after* a significant real-world event (terrorist attacks). This approach is characteristic of an ex post facto study.

Understanding Ex Post Facto Research

An ex post facto study, Latin for "from a subsequent fact," examines potential causes or relationships by looking at data collected *after* an event or phenomenon has occurred. The researcher observes the effects (in this case, attitudes towards fate) and tries to infer relationships with past events or conditions (the terrorist attacks).

• The key feature is that the independent variable (the cause, like the terrorist attacks) has already occurred and cannot be manipulated by the researcher.
• The researcher observes the dependent variable (the effect, like attitudes) and analyzes it retrospectively.

Evaluating Other Options

• Attitude Change Experiment: Experiments require manipulation of variables and control over conditions, which is not the primary design here. The study observes existing attitudes, not actively induces change.
• Field Experiment: While conducted in a natural setting, a field experiment involves manipulating an independent variable. This study observes the impact of an uncontrollable event.
• Psychometric Study: This focuses on the development and use of psychological measurement tools (tests, scales). While attitudes might be measured using psychometric instruments, the core design described is about studying the consequences of a past event.

Therefore, studying attitudes as a consequence of a past event makes ex post facto study the most appropriate classification.