Most longitudinal studies collect a considerable amount of information from participants through survey questionnaires. They might be administered by an interviewer (either face-to-face or over the phone), or completed by the participants on their own (either online or using a paper questionnaire). The topics covered in the questionnaire will vary considerably depending on the study and the participants’ stage of life.
A range of question formats can be used in a questionnaire, from simple yes/no questions to complex dietary diaries or calendars to capture the timing of different events.
Many questions in longitudinal study questionnaires are ‘closed’, which means that they ask participants to choose from a pre-set list of answer options.
Some questions are ‘open’ to allow participants to put their answer in their own words, either by writing it down themselves (if the questionnaire is being completed by the participant) or by the interviewer transcribing or recording them.
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