Cross-Sectional Study vs Longitudinal Study: Pros, Cons & How To Choose (With Examples)

Learn about the two key time horizon options: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. We unpack cross-section longitudinal designs, explore the pros and cons of each, and explain how to decide which one to use for your dissertation, thesis or research project.

OVERVIEW: Cross-Sectional vs Longitudinal Studies

00:00 Intro & overview
00:41 What is a time horizon
01:00 Examples of different time horizons
01:18 Defining cross-sectional and longitudinal studies
01:37 Important point regarding longitudinal studies
01:59 Pros and cons of cross-sectional studies
02:53 Pros and cons of longitudinal studies
03:53 Free resources
04:17 How to choose between cross-sectional and longitudinal
04:50 Example of alignment between research aims and time horizon
05:18 Important considerations when using the longitudinal approach
06:08 Recap

Suggested Resources:
- Cross-sectional study 101: https://gradcoach.com/what-is-a-cross...
- Longitudinal study 101: https://gradcoach.com/what-is-a-longi...
- Research methodology 101: https://gradcoach.com/what-is-researc...
- Saunders' research onion: https://gradcoach.com/saunders-resear...
- Free dissertation/thesis writing course: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-co...
- Free chapter templates: https://gradcoach.com/templates/

For more free resources and plain-language advice, visit the Grad Coach blog at https://gradcoach.com/blog/.

For 1-on-1 support with your research project, check out Grad Coach's private coaching service at https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-co....

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