Longitudinal (CloudMonk.io)

Longitudinal

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Longitudinal generally refers to characteristics, studies, or analyses that involve observing subjects or phenomena over an extended period of time. In research and studies, longitudinal studies track the same subjects or groups of subjects repeatedly over a period, often years or decades, to observe changes, trends, or effects over time. This approach contrasts with cross-sectional studies, which analyze a snapshot of a population at a single point in time. Longitudinal data collection allows researchers to examine how variables evolve or influence each other over time, providing insights into developmental trajectories, causal relationships, and the effects of interventions or treatments. Longitudinal analyses are common in various fields, including psychology, sociology, epidemiology, education, and economics, where understanding temporal dynamics and long-term trends is crucial for making informed decisions and developing effective strategies.