Exam 7: Life-Course and Integrated Theories

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A longitudinal study is a research method in which data is collected from the same subjects repeatedly over a period of time. This allows researchers to track changes and developments in the subjects' lives and behaviors over time.

Life-course researchers use this methodology because it allows them to examine how individuals change and develop over the course of their lives. By following the same individuals over time, researchers can gain a better understanding of how various factors, such as family background, education, and life events, influence people's lives and outcomes.

One advantage of longitudinal studies is that they allow researchers to observe long-term patterns and changes in behavior, which can provide valuable insights into the factors that shape individuals' lives. Additionally, longitudinal studies can help researchers identify cause-and-effect relationships, as they can track changes in variables over time and determine whether one variable precedes or predicts changes in another.

However, there are also drawbacks to this approach. Longitudinal studies can be time-consuming and expensive, as they require researchers to collect data from the same individuals over an extended period of time. Additionally, attrition (the loss of participants over time) can be a significant issue in longitudinal studies, as it can lead to biased results if those who drop out of the study differ systematically from those who remain. Finally, the long-term nature of longitudinal studies means that researchers may have to wait years or even decades to see the full effects of certain variables, which can limit the immediate applicability of the findings.