Shocks or struts

Trying to help my parents out here. They claim to need new shocks on their 2002 2.5l. I thought for sure they would have struts. I don't live close enough to stop by and look so I'm asking you guys - What does the car have?

either way they do the same thing. If the car is bouncing after a bump they need to replaced. But on a 2002 I dont think they would be bad. Thats the only function of a shock or strut. They absorb the energy form the suspension.

The difference between a shock and strut is basically a shock is just a plain shock like ion the rear end of a truck, whereas a strut mounts into the body and directly into the upper swing arm.

I would ask if its noticable bouncing after a severe bump. Like I said I dont think they would be bad already on an 02.