
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.
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.