Cross-Sectional Design
Most first-time researchers start with a simple research design that is cross-sectional.
This means, we take one group of kids and measure them at only one point in time. We then look for associations say between depression and bullying.
The limitation with this design is that we can’t really tell which came first. It’s a chicken-egg debate.
Is bullying causing depression? Or, is depression causing bullying?
Yikes!
This means, we take one group of kids and measure them at only one point in time. We then look for associations say between depression and bullying.
The limitation with this design is that we can’t really tell which came first. It’s a chicken-egg debate.
Is bullying causing depression? Or, is depression causing bullying?
Yikes!
Longitudinal Design
One way to overcome the above limitation is to take repeated measurements across more than one time point. Say, repeating the survey in 6 months…..and even doing it again after one year (the latter creates three time points of measurement).
In this way, we can see if a rise in bullying is followed by a rise in depression.
This type of research design is called a longitudinal study.
The chart on the right shows alcohol and drug use of secondary students in a community from 2004 to 2010.
What do you think is a limitation of a longitudinal study?
Yup, its time intensive….and potentially expensive.
In this way, we can see if a rise in bullying is followed by a rise in depression.
This type of research design is called a longitudinal study.
The chart on the right shows alcohol and drug use of secondary students in a community from 2004 to 2010.
What do you think is a limitation of a longitudinal study?
Yup, its time intensive….and potentially expensive.
Example of Longitudinal Study
For students who have library access, login and click on the link below that will take you to an example of a longitudinal study published in a journal.
Journal Article: Sustainability of Community Coalitions: An Evaluation of Communities That Care
http://www.springerlink.com/content/x342459j20574077/fulltext.html
Journal Article: Sustainability of Community Coalitions: An Evaluation of Communities That Care
http://www.springerlink.com/content/x342459j20574077/fulltext.html