Longitudinal Vs Snapshot

Question 1

Strengths of longitudinal

Weaknesses of longitudinal Al

Answer 1

+detailed data
+show change over Tim — very useful

• costly
• subject attrition
• may form a bond with the participant so bias results

Question 2

Strengths of snapshot

Weaknesses of snapshot

Answer 2

+easy to do/do not cost as much
+data is likely to be quantitative so easy to analyse

• specific results to that time and place/unrepresentative
• cannot see long term effects eg if treatment or medication

Question 3

Examples of longitudinal

Examples of snapshot

Answer 3

Longitudinal = Freud and thigpen and cleckley 
Snapshot = raine and Loftus

Question 4

Definitions

Answer 4

Longitudinal = when research extends over one day following a participant to see their changes

Snapshot = occurs in a short space of time, in one place at one time