longitudinal studies

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A piece of research carried out over a prolonged period of time, with a key focus on researching the process of change over time. As the data is collected in time sequence, this enables changes and connections to be established.

Question 2

Skeggs - Formations of class and gender: becoming respectable

Answer 2

Skeggs used ethnographic research for the feminist view that all understandings are relative. She used a longitudinal study which lasted for 12 years (living in the community), 3 of which were participant observation with a sample of 83 white women from Lancashire to research their lives and how women create a sense of self, and the part social class and a search for respectability plays in female working class identity. 
people usually might not remember past events, it can be solved by means of actual recording, thus ensuring a high level of validity

Question 3

The British Household Panel Survey

Answer 3

The BHPS is a longitudinal and annual survey consisting of a nationally representative sample of about 10,000 households with around 20,000 interviewed individuals. The sample is a stratified clustered design drawn from the Postcode Address File. Aim is to further our understanding of social and economic change at the individual and household level in Britain and the UK
It is representative as it has a large sample which is stratified clustered so it has a range of people in the target population
It uses a structured interview which is reliable and high in objectivity.
High in ethics as there has been consent as people chose whether to participate or not.