Time Factor In Research

Research projects can be carried out over a variety of lengths of time, depending on the type of information that is required. Each type of duration has its own strengths and weaknesses, which must be weighed against such constraints as funding and practicability.

It is interesting that one set of research awards is categorized, in part, by "retrospective" and "prospective". The general types of duration are:

• Retrospective Studies
• Cross-sectional Studies
• Longitudinal Studies
• Prospective Studies

Further Resources

• A good brief PowerPoint outlining the terms
• A good PowerPoint outlining the factors in time selection
• Some interesting time selection considerations in Developmental Psychology