The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cross-sections and Longitudinal Research for Measuring Life Course Changes - Assignment Example

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cross-sections and longitudinal research for measuring life course changes?Introduction The research on aging can either be qualitative and quantitative depending on what the researcher aims at researching. The aging concept has had different approaches over a long time. Despite Quadagno (2014) arguing that there is no single definition of old age, Zaidi (2008) defines old age as the final stages of the normal lifespan of the human life. At most times, old aged is defined of a person of 60-65 years of age and above (Zaidi, 2008).

For the social gerontologists, they apply different approaches to differentiate age, period as well as the cohort efforts. This essay will assess the merits and the disadvantages of the use of cross-sections and longitudinal research as a way of evaluating the life course changes. Cross-sectional research As seen in the work of Quadagno (2014), cross-sectional research is advantageous as is allows make 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 persons age. The studies, therefore, is a key concept in gerontology.

Longitudinal research 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 the 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 over age, 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. Conclusion 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. From the essay, it is valid to argue that longitudinal research is the best form of research for the aging population as this kind of research has the capacity to evaluate the individuals over a long time period and can also differentiate age differences, period and the cohort effects. ReferencesGrenier, A. (2012). Transitions and the Lifecourse: Challenging the Constructions of 'growing Old'.

Bristol: Policy press. Quadagno, J. (2014). Aging and The Life Course: An Introduction to Social Gerontology. (6th ed.) NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Settersten, R. & Angel, J. L. (2011). Handbook of Sociology of Aging. NY: Springer Science & Business Media. Zaidi, A. M. (2008). Well-being of Older People in Ageing Societies. London: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.