cross-sectional and longitudinal studies

cross-sectional studies

a method which involves comparing one group of participants, representing a cross-section of society, against another at the same point in time

longitudinal studies

• involves conducting research over a long period of time in order to observe long term effects of X on a specific behaviour

• may use other methods such as case studies, interviews etc

longitudinal strength: participants variables

• fewer participant variables than cross sectional research because the same person is tested numerous times

• the current data is compared to the same participants previous data

longitudinal strength: trends

developmental trends within the same participants can be spotted easily as tests are repeated at regular intervals over many years and findings are compared

longitudinal weakness: high attrition rate

• data collection takes so left

• sample left may be smaller, leaving the researcher without potentially interesting data

longitudinal weakness: demand characteristics

• p’s are more likely to be aware of the aims of the study so may show demand characteristics

• overtime it is possible that participants might begin to exhibit social desirability bias too

cross sectional strength: quicker and cheaper than longit.

• quicker and cheaper than longitudinal design because p’s only need to be tested once for comparisons

• no follow up study is necessary

cross sectional strength: easy to obtain p’s

• p’s are easier to obtain because there’s less pressure for them to take part

• compared to having to stick to a long term longitudinal study

cross sectional weakness: hard to identify trends

• data collected is taken at one point in time

• harder to identify and analyse developmental trends in these studies

cross sectional weakness: participant variables

• issue with cross sectional research because comparisons between different people are being made

• e.g. young vs old people