Longitudinal vs Cross Sectional

Question 1

Cross sectional studies what are they

Answer 1

analyzes data of variables collected at one given point in time across a sample population or a pre-defined subset

Question 2

Cross sectional evaluation

Answer 2

-less time-consuming (snapshot of behaviour)
+draws data quickly so it can be used and acted on rapidly in the time it was experimented
+ more valid (reported at a time rather than years later)
- Comparisons between different groups = individual differences have significant effect on conclusions
- cohort effects (being raised in particular place of time has effects on behaviour)

Question 3

What are longitudinal studies

Answer 3

Long period of time, comparing single sample group with own performance over time
Developmental or time-based changes seen through patterns of measurements

Question 4

What do clinicians do in longitudinal studies

Answer 4

Clinicians monitor changes in symptoms during treatment

Question 5

Evaluation of longitudinal studies

Answer 5

+ Patients have different symptoms and experiences so no difficulty making comparisons affected by individual differences
+ Only way to reliably measure effect of time on behaviour (important when considering treatments)
- Patients may drop out due to not being contacted (reduce sample size and results are less valid)
- When meaningful data can be drawn data may be irrelevant (all for nothing)
- New treatment and ideas developed all the time (results out dated)