Cross-sectional survey versus Longitudinal Survey
Let’s take a look at the distinction between two of the most widely used survey methods by both academician and industry experts.
Cross sectional survey
These are surveys administered to respondents and can be repeated on a daily basis for a longer period of time for different people or comparative group of people. Data from cross-sectional survey can be used to make projections about the population of interest.
As an example, you can think of a cross-sectional survey as a national census where data is collected for the purpose of development and such data is collected from an individual or a household once. In academic discipline, the same questionnaire is administered to participants only once, repeated on a daily basis for different respondents.
##Longitudinal survey These are surveys administered to the same participants over a long period of time.
An example is a study conducted on an individual by administering him a detailed questionnaire on his recovery rate having undergone a brain surgery.