What is longitudinal data analysis? How do you do it? What are its strengths and weaknesses as a research method?This is the first accessible introduction to longitudinal data analysis. It is a survival kit, presenting the basics of the whole process of conducting longitudinal research. The book is organized around four main themes:· How to design a longitudinal study · How to collect data most effectively · How to make the best use of statistical techniques in making sense of longitudinal data · How to interpret results Written in a clear and engaging style, the book guides you in chosing the correct choice of longitudinal design. It shows you how to deal with (non randon) response and dropout, the measurement of invariance of factor structures, issues in discrete-time panel analysis (assessing causality, change scores, regression to the mean), repeated measures analysis and profile analysis, survival analysis and the analysis of sequences. Although the book provides a broad overview of the field, the focus is always on the practical issues arising out of longitudinal research. This book supplies you with all that you need to get started and acts as a manual for opportunities and pitfalls. It is the ideal primer for this growing area of social research.