The document discusses different research study designs including cross-sectional, longitudinal, and case study designs. It provides details on cross-sectional studies, limitations for determining causality, and requirements for establishing causal relationships. Longitudinal designs including panel studies, trend studies, and cohort studies are described. Case studies are defined as focusing on a single case within its social context. Key considerations for choosing a study design include the research questions, whether variables will be measured at one or multiple times, and if the independent variable can be manipulated.

1. Cross-Sectional, Longitudinal, and Case Study Designs Chapter 7