Longitudinal Data Analysis
Title
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Author
Little, Todd D.
Deboeck, Pascal
Wu, Wei
Research Area
Methods of Research
Topic
Statistical Methods
Abstract
In this essay we review some of the emerging trends in modeling repeated measures data. Three general forms of longitudinal models are discussed: panel model designs, growth curve models, and intensive within‐person assessments. Each section discusses design elements that should be considered when using each of these types of longitudinal models, and introduces some emerging trends. In the section on panel designs, continuous time models and planned missing data models are introduced; these ideas will revolutionize the modeling and collection of panel data. In the section on growth curve models, the necessity of separately evaluating mean and covariance model fit is discussed. This section also introduces methods being used to carefully consider the time of measurements in temporal designs. Finally, the budding analysis of intensive within individual observations is considered, including recent work from mathematics that limits the generalizability of interindividual studies to individual outcomes.