What is the history of longitudinal studies?

Can you tell me about the history of longitudinal studies?

Longitudinal studies have their roots in the early 20th century, with significant developments in the 1920s and 1930s.

What were some key studies that shaped this field?

One key study was the Framingham Heart Study, initiated in 1948, which has provided invaluable data on cardiovascular health.

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.

What are the advantages of using longitudinal studies?

They allow researchers to observe changes over time, establish cause-and-effect relationships, and track developmental trends.

Are there any notable challenges in conducting longitudinal studies?

Yes, challenges include participant retention, funding over long periods, and potential biases in data collection.