Methodology: Longitudinal Studies

Question 1

Define ‘longitudinal studies’.

Answer 1

Studies that take place over a long period of time using the same participants at regular intervals.

Question 2

What are longitudinal studies mostly used for?

Answer 2

Measuring change and development over time.

Question 3

Give 2 examples of how longitudinal studies can be used in clinical psychology.

Answer 3

1) Looking at long term effectiveness of treatments such as CBT
2) Looking at how attitudes towards mental illness have changed over time

Question 4

Define ‘cohort effect’.

Answer 4

When a group of people bond over time due to common life experiences.

Question 5

Name a researcher that used a longitudinal study in clinical research.

Answer 5

Goldstein (1988)

Question 6

Describe the nature of Goldstein’s (1988) study and its findings.

Answer 6

Out of 90 patients with schizophrenia that were followed for 10 years, she found that men experience more sever symptoms with more hospitalisations than women.

Question 7

Give 4 strengths of longitudinal studies.

Answer 7

1) Easier to draw comparisons of different symptoms of different people as it looks at the same people over long period of time
2) High validity due to extended period of time therefore gathering detailed data
3) Relevant social influences are controlled for as the cohort effect doesn’t affect results
4) Easier to draw cause and effect due to controlling for participant variables by manipulating IV and DV

Question 8

Give 5 weaknesses of longitudinal studies.

Answer 8

1) Can be expensive and time consuming due to extended period of time
2) Difficult to replicate due to time constraints and opinions and influences changing over time
3) Factors changing for the individuals in the study may decrease cause and effect
4) High drop out rate and those who don’t drop out may leave bias sample due to having something in common
5) Published research could be outdated due to time passing