Snapshot Study

A snapshot study is a research study that is carried out in a very short period of time. This is different from a longitudinal (long term) study which may take place over the course of years or decades.

For instance, a researcher may decide to do a study of children's playground behavior over one week's time. This short-term study might look at friendships, competitions, and bullying just as it occurs during one week's time and would be considered a snap shot study.