Longitudinal research design in adolescent developmental research

Abstract

AbstractIn adolescent developmental research, cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs are commonly used. In this paper, examples of adolescent developmental research utilizing cross-sectional designs are presented and the basic attributes, strengths and weaknesses of cross-sectional designs are outlined. Besides, examples of longitudinal adolescent developmental research as well as its characteristics, advantages and pitfalls are examined. Based on this review, it is argued that longitudinal research design plays an important role in adolescent developmental research. Implications of the present review on the design of longitudinal adolescent research studies in the Chinese context are discussed.