Welcome to the CLOSER Learning Hub: our online educational resource introducing newcomers (including students and policymakers) to the basics of longitudinal studies.
Here, you can work your way through research case studies and learning modules featuring bitesize information, interactive quizzes and animations to discover the value of these studies and how to make the most of their data.
We have created a series of short videos to introduce the Learning Hub and showcase how the different modules and case studies featured can support you in using longitudinal studies as part of your own research. Watch the videos below, and use the links to get started using the Learning Hub.
In Part 1 of this series, you’ll learn about CLOSER (the home of longitudinal research), our partner studies, and our work providing training resources for students and early career researchers to maximise the use, value and impact of longitudinal studies.
Learn more about CLOSER and the partner studies
Part 2 of this series provides an overview of the Hub itself, showcasing the learning modules, teaching datasets, research case studies and the glossary available in the resource. This video also highlights the key differences between longitudinal versus cross-sectional studies.
Learn more via the Introduction to longitudinal studies and Study design learning modules
Longitudinal studies provide a rich source of social science and biomedical data which can be used to answer a wide range of research questions. Part 3 of this series focuses on the Hub’s collection of research case studies; real-life examples which highlight how longitudinal data can be used to examine a range of research topics including obesity, social media use, and childhood bullying.
Learn more via the research case studies
In part 4 of this series, you’ll gain an understanding of how to find longitudinal study data to answer your specific research question. The video showcases the Understanding metadata learning module on the Hub, which provides guidance on finding the right variables for your research using CLOSER Discovery (the UK’s most detailed search engine for longitudinal studies) and data repositories.
Learn more via the Understanding metadata learning module
Part 5 of this series introduces you to the Analysing longitudinal data module on the Hub. This module provides a beginner-friendly overview of the main techniques for analysing data from longitudinal studies and explains why different research questions require different analysis techniques.
Learn more via the Analysing longitudinal data learning module
In the final part of this series, you’ll be introduced to the importance of communicating your research in order to influence thinking and/or policy. The Research communication module on the Hub highlights a range of different ways to share your findings and provides advice on how best to reach different audiences.
Learn more via the Research communication learning module
The Learning Hub is a resource for students and educators
tel | +44 (0)20 7331 5102 |
---|---|
closer@ucl.ac.uk |
Sign up for our email newsletters to get the latest from CLOSER
Sign up