What is characteristic of a longitudinal study?

A longitudinal study is characterized by its focus on following the same individuals over a prolonged period. This methodology allows researchers to observe changes and developments in specific individuals as they age or as circumstances around them evolve. By collecting data from the same subjects repeatedly, longitudinal studies can provide insights into patterns of development, the effects of specific experiences, and shifts in behavior or attitudes across different stages of life.

In contrast, examining individuals at a single point in time limits the ability to assess changes, and analyzing different populations simultaneously can obscure the influence of specific factors over time. Additionally, disregarding age as a variable undermines the core purpose of a longitudinal study, which often aims to explore how age and experience influence development. Thus, the essence of a longitudinal study lies in its extensive time frame and focus on consistent subjects.