Synonyms
Cross-sectional studies; Learning progressions; Longitudinal studies; Long-term processes; Research designs; Retrospective studies; Trend studies
In research terminology, the adjective “longitudinal” refers to features of research designs for studies conducted over time. Since education is a gradual process with long-term goals, such studies are essential to elucidate what happens, how, and why. This entry offers a working definition for longitudinal studies and discusses “true” longitudinal research designs that are the gold standard for investigating continuity and change. They are juxtaposed with complementary trend, retrospective, and cross-sectional research designs. The entry makes comments on published longitudinal studies in science education, and attends to the persistent issue of insufficient research-based knowledge across themes along the time dimension.
Working Definition for Longitudinal Studies in Science Education
The established tradition of longitudinal...
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References
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Arzi, H.J. (2014). Longitudinal Studies in Science Education. In: Gunstone, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Science Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6165-0_512-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6165-0_512-3
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