Case
Abstract
Longitudinal research is central to understanding stability and change in psychological constructs. This case uses various definitions of stability and change to investigate these temporal aspects in a psychological construct called time perspective. To investigate stability and change, a number of quantitative approaches were adopted including latent growth modeling, correlational analysis, repeated analysis of variance, and the reliable change index. Longitudinal research presents significant methodological and design challenges such as creating fit between the theoretical framework adopted in the research with the chosen longitudinal design—timing and spacing of observations, measures, the unit of analysis, the sample size, and the statistical approaches selected to answer the research questions.