Cross-sectional & Longitudinal studies

Question 1

What is the definition of a cross-sectional study?

Answer 1

‘Snapshot in time’
One group of participants representing one section of society compared with participants from another group.

Question 2

What is the definition of a longitudinal study?

Answer 2

Study conducted over a long period of time and the same participants assessed at multiple points over a time period.

Question 3

What are the strengths of cross-sectional studies?

Answer 3

‣ Reasonably cheap
‣ Practical
‣ Participants only tested once
‣ Ethical

Question 4

What are the weaknesses of cross-sectional studies?

Answer 4

‣ Less rich data being collected
‣ Harder to identify and analyse trends
‣ Not fully a true representation

Question 5

What are the strengths of longitudinal studies?

Answer 5

‣ Less participants needed
‣ Participants variables do not affect study
‣ Can spot developmental trends (regular intervals and comparisons)

Question 6

What are the weaknesses of longitudinal studies?

Answer 6

‣ Participants can easily disrupt study e.g. move away, drop out
‣Practical difficulties
‣ Researchers may change over long periods of time
‣ Expensive
‣ Time consuming