The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cross-sections and Longitudinal Re Assignment

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cross-sections and Longitudinal Research for Measuring Life Course Changes - Assignment Example As seen in the work of Quadagno (2014), cross-sectional research is advantageous as is allows making comparisons between diverse aged persons of different age cohorts. This is to mean that the researchers can ask similar questions to different persons then make comparisons from the responses given through analysis and evaluation. Secondly, cross-sectional studies are advantageous as they have the capacity to survey the age differences in the attitudes and the conduct of the aged (Quadagno, 2014; Settersten & Angel, 2011). This explains the extent to which the cross-sectional studies are valid in an assessment of the aged. However, the cross-sectional studies as indicated by Quadagno (2014) and Settersten & Angel (2011) have the disadvantage that they do not have the capacity the changes that occur as the person's age. The studies, therefore, is a key concept in gerontology. As seen in the research conducted by Grenier (2012), longitudinal research is the most appropriate way of studying the age. First, Quadagno (2014) indicates that through the longitudinal research, it is possible that the researcher traces the development of them as they progress over time. The second advantage of the longitudinal research revolves around the fact that this kind of research, is better placed for differentiating between the age, period as well as the cohort effects. However, the major disadvantage of longitudinal research as Quadagno (2014) writes relates to cost issues. Since the longitudinal research involves tracing the development of individual overage, the researcher may incur lots of costs in an attempt to follow-up progressive growth of individuals. In this perspective as well, it is important to note some of the persons may even die prior to completion of the research. Conclusively, the past events of  the life of an aged person play a role in gerontological research. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies contribute a great deal to the study of the aging population.