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How to recognize NURS study methodology

Cross Sectional v. Longitudinal

The main difference between a cross sectional study and a longitudinal study is whether the study examines looks at one point in time (cross sectional) or over a period of time (longitudinal). 

Cross Sectional Studies

Cross sectional studies look at the sample at one point in time. It makes this kind of study good for capturing prevalence (of a condition, of an intervention, or of a belief or perception). However, capturing only one point in time limits the generalizability of the results.

A chart shows the cross sectional research process where a group is measured for a specific variable once and that's the end.

Research process in a cross sectional study:

  1. Measure for a specific variable in a sample population
  2. End!

An example:

Researchers conduct a survey to measure nurses' understanding of current CAUTI prevention guidelines. The results reflect that cohort of nurses' understanding of CAUTI guidelines at that specific moment in time.

Longitudinal Studies

Longitudinal studies look at a sample over multiple points in time. This kind of study is good at measuring changes or shifts.

This chart shows the longitudinal research process where the sample population is measured for a variable once, then time passes, then measured again, then time passes then measured again, then the research process ends.

Research process in a longitudinal study:

  1. Measure for a specific variable in a sample population
  2. Passage of time
  3. Measure again
  4. Repeat steps 2-3 as many times as your study is interested in
  5. End!

An example:

Researchers conducted 4 surveys over a period of 5 years to measure a cohort of new RNs understanding of current CAUTI prevention guidelines. The results reflect how/if these nurses' understanding of the guidelines has shifted over the period of time the study looks at.