Fundamentals of Longitudinal Research and Design

This course is designed to give students an overview of the use of longitudinal methods in social research. The course is relevant to researchers new to using longitudinal surveys and those who are involved in designing longitudinal studies. No prior knowledge in survey research methods is assumed. Many social surveys collect information at one point in time which does not allow the researcher to determine cause and effect. Longitudinal surveys collection information from the same respondent over time, allowing researchers to examine pathways for individuals. The use of longitudinal data has many advantages over the use of data which take only a ‘snapshot’ of a society: these advantages to social researchers and policy makers will be considered. The course introduces the purposes of using longitudinal data, types of longitudinal studies, design considerations, advantages and disadvantages of longitudinal studies, panel data quality and dissemination of results. Learning in this course will be supported by the review of case studies and examples of longitudinal research. If necessary, instruction in relevant computer software will be given.
 
Day 1 (Monday): Measuring social change (why use longitudinal studies); Analytical Advantages; Types of Longitudinal studies; A review of major longitudinal surveys in Australia
Day 2 (Tuesday): Sample design; Design features specific to longitudinal studies; Ethical issues of longitudinal research
Day 3 (Wednesday): Data quality; Attrition; Seam Bias; Panel Conditioning; Dependent interviewing
Day 4 (Thursday): Factors affecting longitudinal response; Tracking and Tracing; Maintaining Contact; The use of incentives
Day 5 (Friday): Dissemination of results; Case studies of studying social change; Enhancing longitudinal surveys with linkage to administrative data; The new generation of panel studies.