Longitudinal research designs are generally superior to cross-sectional research designs because they more readily establish ______.
A)association
B)time order
C)nonspuriousness
D)causal mechanism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Longitudinal research designs involve following a group of individuals over time, allowing for the establishment of time order between variables. This is important in establishing causality, as it allows researchers to determine which variable occurred first and whether it precedes changes in the other variable. Cross-sectional research designs, on the other hand, involve measuring variables at a single point in time and do not allow for the establishment of time order. While cross-sectional designs can establish association and nonspuriousness, they are generally less effective than longitudinal designs in establishing causal mechanisms.

Longitudinal Research Designs Are Generally Superior to Cross-Sectional Research Designs