What are longitudinal study designs?

What are longitudinal study designs?

Longitudinal study designs involve repeated observations of the same variables over long periods. They help track changes over time.

Can you give me an example of a longitudinal study?

Sure! A classic example is the Framingham Heart Study, which has tracked cardiovascular health in participants since 1948.

What are the advantages of using longitudinal studies?

They allow researchers to observe changes and developments over time, establish sequences of events, and identify causal relationships.

Are there any disadvantages to longitudinal studies?

Yes, they can be time-consuming and expensive, and there's a risk of participant dropout, which can affect the results.

How do longitudinal studies differ from cross-sectional studies?

Longitudinal studies track the same subjects over time, while cross-sectional studies analyze data from a population at a single point in time.