Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Longitudinal studies are research methods that involve repeated observations of the same variables (e.g., people) over long periods of time, often many decades.
Related terms
Cohort Effect: This refers to variations in characteristics, experiences, or behaviors depending on individuals' specific age groups within the context of a longitudinal study.
Panel Study: A type of longitudinal study where data is collected from the same individuals at several points in time.
Trend Study: A particular type of longitudinal study where different samples from the same population are studied at different points in time.