RM L12: Longitudinal studies -

Question 1

What is a longitudinal study?

Lesson 12

Answer 1

• Following the same group of individuals
• Over an extended period of time (years)
• Giving ppts tests / tasks at various intervals during time period
• Testing needs to be stantardised for valid + reliable comparisons between ppts scores over time
• Effects of maternal deprivation on later relationships
• Researchers collect data from questionnaires, interviews, psychometric tests from ppts
• Longitudinal study does NOT have a IV instead repeatedly gathering data from ppts over weeks, months, years

Question 2

What are the 2 strengths of longitudinal studies?

Lesson 12

Answer 2

1. Longitudinal study are following same group of ppts as they change / develop over time –> so researchers do not have issue of ppts variables where any changes found may be due to differences between ppts
2. Allows topics such as childhood development to be studied

Question 3

What are the 2 weaknesses of longitudinal studies?

Lesson 12

Answer 3

1. Because of the long term nature of the study it is more prone to having participants drop out of the research for any reason (personal / not intrested)
2. By the time research is completed the study may not be generalisable anymore due to the changes in society depending on study focus

Question 4

What is an experiment with longitudinal design?

Lesson 12

Answer 4

• The effect of the IV + DV will be measured over time
• These types of studies are experimental –> has to be some form of IV manipulation to see effect on DV and 2nd recording of DV
• Time gaps can be weeks, months depending on what the IV manipulation is&raquo_space; oftern used in clinical psychology settings to see whether a specific therapeutic treatment is successful over time
• Test the ppts again in an experiment

Question 5

What are the 2 strengths of longitudinal design?

Lesson 12

Answer 5

1. There is a baseline measurement which allows for a direct comparison of DV measures over time –> allows assesment if an intervention is working
2. Studies provide rich and detailed qualitative data that provides hollistic view about behaviour

Question 6

What are the 2 weaknesses of longitudinal studies?

Lesson 12

Answer 6

1. Participant drop out is issue –> could make study not be generalisable because ppts who remain may not be representative
2. Studies could be limited to smaller sample sizes because it is difficult to follow a large sample for extended time period