A research study design that follows the same participants over a long period is known as what?

A research study design that follows the same participants over a long period is termed a longitudinal study. This type of study is particularly valuable for examining changes over time, as it allows researchers to track developments in behavior, attitudes, or other characteristics within the same subjects.

Longitudinal studies can provide insights into cause-and-effect relationships and the temporal sequence of events, as researchers observe how individual differences evolve or how specific interventions may impact the same individuals across different stages of their lives. This method is essential in fields like developmental psychology, where understanding the progression through various life stages is crucial.

In contrast, cross-sectional studies gather data at a single point in time from multiple subjects, making it difficult to determine changes over time. Case studies focus on in-depth analysis of a single subject or small group, which limits the scope and breadth of findings. Experimental studies manipulate variables to observe effects, which may not necessarily follow the same group over time. Each of these methods serves distinct purposes and has different strengths, but only longitudinal studies specifically emphasize tracking the same participants over extended periods.