ELISA ENGLISH's Blog 英語園地

統計研究方法:  Cross-sectional study (橫斷性研究) vs. longitudinal study (縱貫性研究)

What is a Longitudinal Study vs. a Cross-sectional Study?

I came across this term while browsing Yahoo Knowledge.  I thought it was interesting, so I decided to share what I know about the term with you.  I am not an expert in this field, even though I took the advanced statics course in college.  For more or detail information, you should look up your statics textbook. 

Longitudinal Study (縱貫性研究):

複合時間點的研究. 

在長時間內以固定群體為對象的長期研究, 研究固定對象在不同時間的發展特徵及演變

研究可能持續幾十年, 一生或跨越世代. 

A longitudinal study is a correlation research method, involving the study of the same group of objects over an extended period of time.  The period of time for the study can last several decades, across the life span, and throughout generations.

For example:

Effects of Immunization on Kids with Asthma: A Study from 1990 to 2009.

Cross-sectional study (橫斷性研究):

單一時間內的研究

在同一個固定時間內以數個群體為對象的研究, 蒐集有關這些群體的發展特徵

A cross-sectional study involves the study of different groups of objects at a specific point in time.  

For example:

Impact of H1N1 Flu on Kids Vaccinated With and Without Seasonal Flu Shot:  A Study for The Winter of 2009.