What are the differences between longitudinal and cross-sectional studies?

What are the differences between longitudinal and cross-sectional studies?

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

Can you give me an example of each type of study?

Sure! A longitudinal study could be tracking the health of a group of people over 10 years. A cross-sectional study might survey people's health at a single time.

What are the advantages of longitudinal studies?

Longitudinal studies can show changes over time and establish cause-and-effect relationships better than cross-sectional studies.

Are there any disadvantages to longitudinal studies?

Yes, they can be time-consuming and expensive, and there's a risk of losing participants over time.

Which type of study is more commonly used in psychology?

Both types are used, but longitudinal studies are often preferred for understanding developmental changes.