Longitudinal Studies Flashcards
What is longitudinal studies?
A quantitative research method which uses social surveys (questionnaires & interviews)
Who favours longitudinal studies?
Positivist sociologists, due to its objective approach and ability to map change over time
1st paragraph: why are longitudinal studies good?
Enables researcher to analyse patterns & trends over time, sue to its quantitative nature. Research is therefore more reliable.
2nd paragraph: why are longitudinal studies good?
A large sample size can be obtained. Data is representative of society and is a reliable picture of society.
3rd paragraph: why are longitudinal studies bad?
Quantitative data lacks detail. Although patterns & trends can be identified, reasons behind them are merely assumed. This impacts the validity of research.
3rd paragraph: how does this link to social policy?
Institutions may use this to inform social policy to improve equality to access, but end up putting the wrong policies in place as assumptions made from the patterns & trends shown in data are actually incorrect.
4th paragraph: why are longitudinal studies bad?
Although they are more objective, bias does still exist and statistics can be manipulated or paint an unrealistic picture of the social problem.
5th paragraph: how can the weaknesses be overcome?
Use triangulation and therefore another research method to check the validity of the data obtained and reduce the chance of bias.
5th paragraph: what can be used instead?
Semi-structured interviews could be used. This would as respondent validation and ensure the interpretation of the data is fact correct.
5th paragraph: what is so good about triangluation?
By triangulating the quantitative method with a qualitative method, this would provide further detail & explanation on the social issue. This makes research more valid & representative.
