longitudinal design

the study of a variable or group of variables in the same cases or participants over a period of time, sometimes several years. An example of a longitudinal design is a multiyear comparative study of the same children in an urban and a suburban school to record their cognitive development in depth. A longitudinal study that evaluates a group of randomly chosen individuals is referred to as a panel study, whereas a longitudinal study that evaluates a group of individuals possessing some common characteristic (usually age) is referred to as a cohort study. Also called longitudinal research; longitudinal study. Compare cross-sectional design.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 24th 2025

psychooncology

n. the study of psychological, behavioral, and psychosocial factors involved in the risk, detection, course, treatment, and outcome (in terms of survival) of cancer. The field examines responses to cancer on the part of patients, families, and caregivers at all stages of the disease. —psychooncological adj. —psychooncologist n.