Observational Studies Flashcards
Observational Studies; Definition
Researcher records information about their subjects without manipulating the study environment
Advantages of Cross Sectional Research
Allows the researcher to compare many different variables
Less expensive
Reduced amount of time
Limits of Cross Sectional Research
May not provide definite information about cause-and-effect research
Snapshot in time
What’s a Longitudinal Study
The examination of a population over a prolonged period of time
- looks at changes over time
Advantages of Longitudinal Research
Observes phenomena over a long period of time
Control over subject variables
Limits of Longitudinal Research
Subjects might drop out - affects the validity of the sample
Effects of repeated sampling
Researcher may effect results
