Longitudinal Studies

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Track same individuals/ groups over a long period of time, to observe how behaviour/symptoms or disorders change overtime

Question 2

Purpose

Answer 2

Used to study the development progression and possible causes of mental disorders e.g. sz or depression

Question 3

Data collected

Answer 3

Collected repeated data on biological, cognitive, behavioural and social factors allowing researchers to identify patterns or triggers of mental illness

Question 4

Causality and change

Answer 4

As data is collected overtime it can show changes before and after a signicant life event e.g. trauma , giving insight into cause and effect relationships

Question 5

Examples in clinical psychology

Answer 5

Studies tracking children that have parents with sz into their adulthood
Or monitoring patients before during an after a treatment e.g. CBT

Question 6

Strength -useful

Answer 6

They can track development of mental disorders over time identifying early warning signs of sz meaning they can get early treatment to prevent it - useful

Question 7

Strength - qualitative

Answer 7

Gather rich in depth detailed insights into an individual experience , making the data more ecologically valid

Question 8

Weakness-time

Answer 8

Very time consuming as they take years to carry out and often require funding

Question 9

Weakness- attrition

Answer 9

People may drop out over time leading to biased results if only a certain type of person stays in the study

Question 10

Weakness- lack of control

Answer 10

Many external factors are not controlled which may be confounding variables, making it harder to isolate cause and effect