Longitudinal studies : designs, validity, practicality, and value

• Published in: Research in science education (Australasian Science Education Research Association) Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 137 - 149
• Main Authors: White, Richard T., Arzi, Hanna J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 01.03.2005
• Subjects: Educational research; Evaluation Utilization; Experimental Teaching; Longitudinal Studies; Research Design; Research Methodology; Research utilisation; Research Utilization; Science Curriculum; Science Education; Test Validity
• ISSN: 0157-244X; 1573-1898
• DOI: 10.1007/s11165-004-3437-y

Aiming to encourage longitudinal studies in science education, the authors clarify conceptual and methodological aspects of longitudinal research. They use the studies that other articles in this issue describe to illustrate these aspects. The illustrations range from attempts to promote long-term change through experimental teaching to investigations that describe change without intending to affect it. For both experimental and descriptive studies they discuss the validity of conclusions and insights, and how threats to validity may be reduced or eliminated. The authors highlight implications for teaching and the curriculum, and for the conduct of research. They describe the practicalities of longitudinal research, referring to time, resources, management of data, and attrition of subjects, and end with a summary of reasons why longitudinal studies are valuable. [Author abstract, ed]