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Introduction to longitudinal data

Longitudinal studies collect data about individuals, households, businesses or any other unit of observation over time so they can be used for following changes over the life course. Learn what longitudinal studies are available, key features and issues with using longitudinal data and how to start some basic analyses.

  • Level: Introductory – but if you are new to surveys, we suggest you complete the surveys module first
  • Time: approx. 2 hours (you can dip in and out of the materials and return as you like)
  • Software: We use SPSS in the examples but you can do the examples in other statistical software. You can follow the module without having statistical software.
  • Dataset: UK Household Longitudinal Study (Understanding Society) (End user licence version)
  • Certificate of completion available: Yes