Longitudinal Studies

Question 1

Longitudinal Studies

Answer 1

Ongoing survey collecting data from the same sample at regular intervals over years.

Shows changes over time (e.g., 10-year census).

Question 2

Strengths

Answer 2

Fewer ethical problems: participation requires informed consent.

Tracks patterns, trends, and causes of change within the same group.

Data more valid: discrepancies can be checked against previous results.

Question 3

Weaknesses

Answer 3

Funding difficult: long-term financial commitment required.

Sample retention issues: participants may withdraw, reducing sample size.

Hawthorne effect: participants aware they are being studied → may alter behaviour.