Table 1.
Considerations | Recurrent cross-sectional analysis | Trajectory analysis |
---|---|---|
Research focus | Describe the differences between time points | Describe how process or experience changes over time |
Sample considerations | The cohort at each time point may be the same or different May be preferred if sample is highly transient or has high mortality over study duration |
Must maintain same cohort |
Theoretical approach | Determined by the research question Any analytic approach may be used consistently throughout the study |
Determined by the research question Any analytic approach may be used consistently throughout the study |
Level of data analysis | Whole sample (or subsamples) | Individual people or individual groups (e.g., families) |
Timing of analysis | May analyze as each time point is completed | Must wait until data is collected at all time points |