Answer:
oe's research question focuses on the relationship between changes in North Carolina state laws and foster care rates over a period of twenty years. This research question implies that Joe is interested in analyzing trends and patterns at the state level over time. Therefore, Joe is likely to use a macro-level analysis in his research. Macro-level analysis refers to an approach that examines large-scale patterns and trends at the societal or system level, such as changes in policies, laws, and institutional structures. By focusing on state-level laws and foster care rates, Joe's research is more likely to be concerned with macro-level factors that have influenced the overall trend in foster care rates in North Carolina over the last twenty years.: