Here's a couple general definitions to throw into the mix:
Hilgard's introduction to psychology 12th ed.
"A research method that studies an individual through time, taking
measurements at periodic intervals."
Penguin dictionary of psychology 2nd ed.
"Research carried out by following a number of subjects over an extended
period of time (c.f. cross-sectional method)."
Maybe my use of the word variable in my last email reflects that I'm more
used to doing quantitative work than qualitative. Further, the above
definitions are also probably somewhat limited, given that the system of
interest may not be an individual but rather a community or some other
thing altogether (an environmental system, say).
So I guess the key element is that of looking for change over time, as
Harald said.
Nick
--
Research Assistant
Psychology and Christianity Project
Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge
West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9BS, UK
mailto:[log in to unmask]
phone/fax: +44 1223 763010/763003
Today 2:29pm, Alan Simpson wrote:
> I'm really glad that Lyn wrote in response to this and also that others
> raised and discussed the issue. Before Lyn wrote I was thinking 'oh dear. I
> had better not call my study longitudinal anymore'. I have being conducting
> a research project using predominantly qualitative methods where I re-visit
> people and teams over a 15 month period of time, or more. However, there are
> no 'fixed' variables, other than the individuals and teams (and they're are
> not very fixed at all!). So, I will be very interested in any future noise
> on this one.
>
> bets wishes,
>
> Alan Simpson
> Brighton, UK.
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