I know that definition of cross sectional study design means collecting data at a time but not retrospectively or prospectively. Though this is fact, I have seen researches published by using either retrospective cross sectional study design or prospective cross sectional study design even at reputable Journal. In the principle of research, is there study design called either retrospective or prospective cross sectional study design?
Dear RG Members, your upcoming vital explanation and clarification will have a value for me. Thanks Getasew Amogne
Dear Dr Aynalem,
In addition to Dr Saravi answer, we had better start discussing this topic from its basic concept. An observational study might be cross-sectional or longitudinal. In a cross-sectional study, measurements are made on a single occasion. Conversely, in a longitudinal study, measurements are performed over a period of time. From this, we know that the longitudinal observational study might be retrospective or prospective, depending on investigators interest. In retrospective study, the investigator concerns on present and past event. Meanwhile, in prospective study, the investigator follow subjects for future events .
Hope it would be helping, Thank you
Getasew -
Well, for official statistics one has population studies which occur serially. That is, a snapshot survey is taken, and done as a cross-sectional survey, often without regard to a time series, in an effort to describe the current situation only. However, because this may be a regularly occurring survey, one can see the retrospective pattern, or even make a time series to project to the future, assuming no major disruptions. For example, I worked with official energy statistics for many years, and many samples were monthly or even weekly. Often there were annual census data for auxiliary data. The object was to describe the energy market, where the focus was on 'the here and now,' but this also provided a long time series of aggregate results, and in many cases, individual results if someone wanted them for some purpose.
Anyway, current results are the focus of much official statistics, but this also provides a retrospective by looking at old results, which we often published together. And as I indicated, some time series work was done. I'm using the past tense because I'm retired, but this kind of work continues in many places.
Also, many people are involved with panel data which use both cross-sectional and time series methods.
I hope that was of some use to you.
Cheers - Jim
dear Getasew-
According to me study design should be prospective cross-sectional, by taking care of future results.... but retrospective results are equally important.
The use of retrospective or prospective in cross-sectional studies appears to be redundant.
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