LONGITUDINAL SURVEYS Meaning and
Definition
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Longitudinal surveys are a specific type of survey method used in social science research that involves collecting data from the same group of individuals or units over an extended period of time. These surveys are designed to track changes and patterns in behavior, attitudes, and characteristics of the individuals or groups surveyed. The key feature of longitudinal surveys is the repeated measurement of variables of interest, which allows for the examination of trends, developments, and relationships over time.
In a longitudinal survey, participants are chosen based on specific criteria and are then invited to participate in multiple survey waves or rounds conducted at regular intervals. The surveys often employ a variety of data collection methods, such as face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, self-administered questionnaires, or online surveys. The same set of questions are typically asked in each survey wave to allow for direct comparison and analysis of changes.
Longitudinal surveys offer several advantages for research. They allow researchers to analyze the dynamics and effects of social, economic, and demographic variables over time and to capture individual-level changes and experiences. These surveys can also help researchers understand how certain factors or events influence behaviors and attitudes and provide valuable information for policy development and evaluation.
However, conducting longitudinal surveys can be logistically complex and resource-intensive due to the need for follow-up contacts and maintaining participant engagement over time. Additionally, attrition, or participant dropout, can pose challenges to obtaining a representative sample and may introduce bias into the findings. Nonetheless, longitudinal surveys remain a valuable tool for understanding social phenomena through the lens of temporal change and continuity.
Common Misspellings for LONGITUDINAL SURVEYS
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- longutudinal surveys
Etymology of LONGITUDINAL SURVEYS
The word "longitudinal" originates from the Latin word "longitudo", which means "length". In this context, it refers to the length of time over which the survey is conducted to collect data. The term "survey" comes from the Old French word "surveeir", which means "to look over", and was adopted into the English language in the 15th century. When combined, "longitudinal surveys" refers to a type of research method that gathers data from the same set of individuals over an extended period, allowing researchers to track changes and trends over time.
