longitudinal studies

longitudinal study

a research study that takes place over a prolonged period of time, checking up with participants at set intervals.

why are longitudinal studies sometimes not considered a research method by themselves?

they are a certain type of research method (eg interview) over a prolonged period, so it’s using other research methods over a longer period.

pros of longitudinal studies…

+ increased validity when you build up a relationship w the participants.

+ good representation of a person’s life, while showing cultural and technological changes.

+ very thorough, lots of detail and doesn’t lack validity

cons of longitudinal studies…

- logistically/ practically it’s hard to keep going over a long period (finding participants, ensuring they can still take part, etc)

- very time consuming

- hard to record + analyse results

- not representative due to the small sample

- lots of personal questions, may be considered ethically wrong