longitudinal studies Flashcards
what are longitudinal studies?
studies which follow the same group of people over a long period of time. they can generate both qualitative and quantitative data.
what are the strengths of longitudinal studies?
*ethical- participants can give informed concept, issue of deception will be removed if participants are fully aware of the research and its purpose
*theoretical-
validity- can pick up changes in attitudes and behaviour over time rather than just a ‘snapshot’ of behaviour only now
correlations- by making comparisons between groups over time we can identify causes
what are the weaknesses of longitudinal studies?
*theoretical- may take a number of years, which requires continuous funding which is likely to run out.
sample attrition-people may move and records may not keep upto date
*ethical- if some participants enrolled as children, they may feel obliged to continue with the research even if they really don’t want to.
*theoretical-
validity- the views of those who remain in the sample may be significantly different to those who drop out
researcher influence and objectivity- researchers may have developed a relationship or bond with participants which could place pressure on them to provide results that benefit the research (social desirability)
the Hawthorne effect - those who stay in the study may act differently as a result of prolonged attention received
representativeness of sample- the size of the study may drop as individuals become unwilling to take part.
what are the examples for longitudinal studies?
*the British household panel survey
*the millennium cohort
*the national child development study
*7up study
what is the British household panel survey?
a survey carried out for social and economic research. a sample of British households was first chosen in 1991 and have been followed since and annually interviewed. questions cover a wide range of topics such as education, employment, political beliefs and more.
what is the millennium cohort?
a cohort of around 18000 children born in 2000/1 that are followed over time. their carer was interviewed when the child was age around 9 months then 3 years and then around age 7. this was based on child development and information is collected on family, finances, childcare and employment. topics changed over time to take account of factors surrounding the childs age.
what is the national child development study?
a study that followed 40,000 children all born in one week in 1958. follow up surveys have followed at ages 16,23 and 33, providing insights into the importance of class, education and family.
what is the 7up study?
a series of documentary films that followed the lives of 14 children since 1964 when they were 7 and then ever 7 years from them. it was based on the hypothesis that class predetermines their future
