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In three of the studies reported in this issue, researchers used a cross-sectional survey design to collect quantitative data (Fennessey, 2016; Vicensi et al., 2016; Xu, Rich, & Connor, 2016). Cross-sectional surveys are used frequently in nursing, medical, and social science research to collect data on the prevalence of disease, behaviors, intentions, knowledge, attitudes, and respondent opinions (Polit & Beck, 2014; Sedgwick, 2014). In addition, researchers often explore the relationship between variables, such as in the Fennessey study, where the effect of nurse burnout, knowledge of assessment skills, and work environment on the performance of physical assessment skill was examined. In this column, I will discuss cross-sectional survey research, and outline the strengths and limitations of this type of research.
Advantages of Cross-Sectional Surveys
In longitudinal research, data are collected for at least two points in time to allow the researcher to detect changes over time (Sedgwick, 2014). On the other hand, a cross-sectional study occurs at one point in time. Cross-sectional surveys can be considered a snapshot that gives a picture of what the researcher wants to study. However, if the variable changes over time (e.g., ageing), results can be limited or potentially biased (Hofer, Silwinski, & Flaherty, 2002).
Cross-sectional surveys have several advantages. Surveys are flexible, can cover many different areas of human behavior and conditions, and can be used with many populations (Polit & Beck, 2014). In addition, a survey is relatively quick to conduct when information is needed about what is happening currently. For example, if a concerning disease such as the Zika virus is reported in a particular county or state, the Department of Health can survey physicians, nurse practitioners, and hospitals to determine the number of cases seen in the past 1-2 months. This will provide an idea of the prevalence of the disease at that point in time in the surveyed location. However, it does not mean the prevalence will remain constant, and...