Chapter 6 - Longitudinal studies

What is a longitudinal study?

• One that follows the same sample or group over an extended period of time

• Can involve the systematic collection of quantitative data AND meaningful qualitative data too

What did West and Farringdon research?

• Commissioned through Uni of Cambridge

• Involved 411 working class males born in London aged 8-9

• Aim was to describe the development of delinquent and criminal behaviour in inner-city males

• By the time the men reached 32, the researchers had caught up with all of them

• 8 had passed away and 20 had emigrated permanently

• 40% of the men had at least one criminal conviction by the age of 40

What advantages did Lucinda Platt identify?

• Key advantages:

• Can draw out cause and effect relationships by looking at what events have happened before others

• Separate the effect of age and cohort

• Track the impact of social changes

What are the advantages of a longitudinal study?

• Trace how social change occurs

• Build and establish rapport

• Can be used to check reliability and validity of other methods - triangulation

What are the disadvantages of a longitudinal study?

• Keeping track of sample → death, emigration, no longer want to take part etc.

• Some people may drop out

• Analysis is difficult

• Hawthorne effect

• Ageing and generational effects?