What is the difference between longitudinal and cross sectional designs?
Longitudinal study | Cross-sectional study |
In longitudinal study, variables are measured at two or more distinct points in time. | In cross sectional study, two or more samples are drawn from same population and same variables are studied in them. |
Longitudinal studies require a constant follow-up where the outcome of interest has not yet happend at baseline. | Cross-sectional studies are much easier and quicker to perform if you need to solve a research question here and now. |
They have small sampling period. | Cross-sectional survey can have a very long sampling period |
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