What Is The Difference Between Cross Sectional And Longitudinal Research

Longitudinal studies and cross sectional studies are two different types of research design.
What is the difference between cross sectional and longitudinal research. In a longitudinal study you repeatedly collect data from the same sample over an extended period of time. Instead of a researcher collecting data from varying subjects in order to study the same variables the same subjects are surveyed multiple times in some cases over the course of many years. Cross sectional studies make comparisons at a single point in time whereas longitudinal studies make comparisons over time.
In a cross sectional study you collect data from a population at a specific point in time. It provides a long term analysis of the situation. Longitudinal studies are carried out over the period of time.
Evolutionary characters are seen. The key difference between the two studies stem from the fact that while a cross sectional study presents the researcher with a cross sectional analysis of the research a longitudinal study. Only the present situation is seen.
Both longitudinal studies and cross sectional studies are two types of observational studies. On the contrary a cross sectional study is a research where the researcher analyses a particular context group of people or else a social phenomenon through a sample. Cross sectional study is conducted with different samples.
A longitudinal study requires a researcher to revisit participants of the study at proper intervals. A longitudinal study is a research study in which the research continues for a longer period and uses the same sample at each phase. It provides a snapshot of the situation.
The research question will determine which approach is best. Cross sectional studies are carried out in one specific point of time. A cross sectional study is conducted at a given point in time.