LONGITUDINAL STUDIES

What is a longitudinal study?

• follow/research a sample of ppl over an extended period of time.

• this research is collected at regular intervals rather than continously

• these studies usually use questionnaires and/or interviews bu other methods maay also be used

.e.g. - 7UP study which started in 1964 with a sample of 7 year old children and dolowed their lives at 7 year intervals

What are advantages of longitudinal studies

• can show changes overtime

• allows for micro levels of analysis

• can establish patterns and trends

• data collected is up to date because it is beign continuously updated at intervals

• eliminates personality differences affecting the data because the data is consistent

• more practial to conduct research that isnt consistent

• allows for trust to be gained between researcher and pps which increases validity

disadvantages of a longitudinal study

• time consuming - impractical

• expensive

• small sample size - less representative

• time gaps between each repition could cause gaps in memory

• have to have continous consent a nd pps could withddraw overtime which could negatively affect the sample

  • happened in 7UP study

THIS

IS A SPACE CARD