cross sectional research

Question 1

cross sectional studies

Answer 1

• a research method that studies participants (usually of different ages) at one single point in time
• in cross-sectional research, you observe variables without influencing them

Question 2

what are the uses of cross sectional studies?

Answer 2

• measures the prevalence of an outcome of interest in a defined population
• can be used to determine relationships among variables, and generate hypotheses about causal connections between factors to be explored in experimental designs

Question 3

what are the weaknesses of using cross sectional studies?

Answer 3

• there is less rich detailed data collected than there is with longitudinal studies with regards to individual participant differences (the difference in participant characteristcs and experiences of the indivudal participant)
• harder to identify and analyse developental trends in cross sectional studies