Describe Longitudinal Research (4 marks)

Longitudinal studies refer to studies which take place over a number of years. They can include case studies or other methods. They are typically used to monitor changes in a child's behaviour over time or to look at the long-term effects of a particular variable on a child's development and well being. They can involve the same procedure repeated at set points over time or can involve different procedures used more frequently. 

Examples of longitudinal studies in child research are the EPPE project and NICHD study. They were conducted to look at the effect of day care on child development. Observations and case studies were used to follow the progress of a number of children over a very long period of time. Curtiss' study of Genie was also an example of a longitudinal study, as Genie was studied for many years.