Cross-Sequential Design

A cross-sequential design is a method used in research that combines a longitudinal design as well as a cross-sectional design. This dual study is used to correct flaws that might be found in either of these designs alone. For instance, in sociology a cross-sectional study will study a group of people who have factors in common (age, gender, location, education, etc.) to determine how that effects some aspect of their lives in a short-term. A longitudinal study will study this same group over a long term (years or even decades) to see how their lives are affected.