in depth analysis of individuals
case study
extracting specific data from a particular group of people
survey
operational measurements and statistical techniques to reach conclusions regarding numerical data
quantitative research
does not rely on numerical data, like naturalistic observation
qualitative research
conducted at a single point in time, comparing groups of differing ages to arrive at conclusions about development
cross-sectional study
collecting data over an extended time
longitudinal study
where researchers combine the findings from multiple studies to draw an overall conclusion
meta analysis