Longitudinal Research

Longitudinal Research : 

Longitudinal Research Challenges in Conducting & Analyzing Longitudinal Research Teresa Carnevale, RN, MSN Medical University of South Carolina

Objectives : 

Objectives 1. What is longitudinal research? 2. The when and why of longitudinal research 3. Challenges in conducting longitudinal research 4. Challenges in analyzing longitudinal research The Learner will identify:

Longitudinal Research : 

Longitudinal Research Longitudinal research is the gathering of data on a group of subjects on a number of variables over a period of time (Ruspini, 2002). This data is examined at the micro & macro level to investigate changes small and large. Participants are typically required to provide information about behavior or beliefs regarding topics of interest at different points in time. (Ruspini, 2002)

Uses of Longitudinal Research : 

Uses of Longitudinal Research Examine time-related problems: Problems that evolve over time Time-sequence studies Comparing phenomena over time To improve research control (Ruspini, 2002)

Qualitative Longitudinal Research : 

Qualitative Longitudinal Research Longitudinal data serves to build links between qualitative and quantitative research. It is the best method to examine a group over a period of time Bryman said it best ‘There is a longitudinal element seen in most of qualitative research’ (Ruspini, 2002)

Challenges in Longitudinal Research : 

Challenges in Longitudinal Research Conducting Attrition Cost & Time Data Collection Methods Analyzing Coding Transcribing Archiving and Retrieval Length of study

Conducting Challenge: Attrition : 

Conducting Challenge: Attrition Causes: Drop out Move Severe illness Die Other

Conducting Challenge: Cost & Time : 

Conducting Challenge: Cost & Time Longitudinal studies require a large time and cost investment Planning Sample Bias

Conducting Challenge: Data Collection : 

Conducting Challenge: Data Collection Data collection methods may change over time Tools must be appropriate for different age groups Ethical clarity

Analyzing Challenge: Coding : 

Analyzing Challenge: Coding Sequential measures Length of time between measures Linking data Maintaining privacy

Analyzing Challenge: Transcribing : 

Analyzing Challenge: Transcribing Data is taken at various points in the study Number of hours spent Alternate formats

Analyzing Challenge: Archival & Retrieval : 

Analyzing Challenge: Archival & Retrieval How will data be kept Digital Hard copy Where will data be kept Electronic media Storage

Analyzing Challenge: Length of Study : 

Analyzing Challenge: Length of Study Length before completion of study Years verses months High attrition rates can decrease validity of findings Causation hard to identify due to environment change

Conclusion : 

Conclusion Longitudinal studies present some unique challenges in both conducting and analyzing research, however if addressed prior to the research, many of these pitfalls can be avoided. The potential benefits of longitudinal research far outweigh the challenges.

Activity : 

Activity You are conducting a longitudinal study on your concept of interest and have identified a challenge in your study. How will you handle this challenge in your research. The assigned crossword puzzle word is your challenge.

References : 

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