American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What distinguishes longitudinal surveys from other survey types?

1. They are conducted exclusively online

2. They gather information over a period of time

3. They require a large sample size

4. They focus solely on historical data

The correct answer is: They gather information over a period of time

The distinguishing feature of longitudinal surveys is that they gather information over a period of time. This method involves repeated observations or measurements of the same variables from the same subjects at different time points. By doing so, longitudinal surveys can track changes and developments over time, allowing researchers to observe trends, patterns, and causality in a more comprehensive manner than cross-sectional surveys, which capture a snapshot at a single point in time. This temporal aspect is particularly useful in various fields, including social sciences, public health, marketing, and education, where understanding dynamics over time is crucial for analysis and decision-making. Other survey types might focus on gathering data at a single point or may not emphasize the aspect of time in their design. This ongoing collection of data enables researchers to draw more substantial conclusions about changes or impacts than surveys conducted at just one moment.