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Unit 4: Research design

Cross-sectional

  • This is the most recognisable research design in social research.
  • Information is collected across more than one case at one point in time.
  • The classic ‘social survey’ design.
  • Do not confuse cross-sectional with a ‘survey’ used to describe a method of collecting data. Cross-sectional can use many other methods to collect data, such as structured observation or official statistics.
  • The aim is to collect information on variables to find out about the relationships between those variables.

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SMILE - Research design by Learning from WOeRk, University of Plymouth modified by Marion Kelt, Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License