2.5.1 Longitudinal studies (LS)

Question 1

What is a longitudinal study?

Answer 1

• A longitudinal study follows/researches a sample of people over an extended period of time.

Question 2

How is data collected in longitudinal studies?

Answer 2

• Data is collected at regular intervals rather than continuously.

Question 3

What methods are usually used in longitudinal studies?

Answer 3

• Questionnaires &/or interviews, but other methods may also be used.

Question 4

What is an example of a longitudinal study involving children born in March 1946?

Answer 4

• JWB Douglas’ study following 5,632 children-

Question 5

What is the National Childhood Development Study (NCDS)?

Answer 5

• A longitudinal study that has been running since 1958.

Question 6

What is the 7Up study?

Answer 6

• A longitudinal study that started in 1964 following a sample of 7 year old children at 7 year intervals.

Question 7

What is a positive evaluation of longitudinal studies?

Answer 7

• Establishes cause & effect relationships.

Question 8

What is a negative evaluation of longitudinal studies related to participant behavior?

Answer 8

• Hawthorne effect may alter behavior of subjects.

Question 9

What is a potential issue with longitudinal studies regarding participant retention?

Answer 9

• People may drop out, leading to less representative samples.

Question 10

What is a disadvantage of longitudinal studies regarding time?

Answer 10

• Time consuming & requires significant commitment.