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A Survey of Issues Related to the Analysis of Observational Data in Longitudinal Research

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Abstract

The primary problems in analysis of data from longitudinal studies arise from the fact the such studies most frequently involve naturally occurring groups, or samples of convenience, rather than random assignment and other features of good experimental design. This fact results In numerous possibly confounded effects that must be disentangled in analysis of the data. Because groups may differ initially on the measures that are to be the basis for evaluation of change, the particular index chosen to define change is more critical than in experimental studies. In this brief discussion, an attempt will be made to survey some of the more controversial issues related to definition of change and the statistical control over a variety of possibly confounding factors In observational type research.

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© 1977 Plenum Press, New York

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Overall, J.E. (1977). A Survey of Issues Related to the Analysis of Observational Data in Longitudinal Research. In: Strauss, J.S., Babigian, H.M., Roff, M. (eds) The Origins and Course of Psychopathology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2355-6_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2355-6_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-2357-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-2355-6

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