ABSTRACT
Panel studies are studies in which data are gathered regarding the same individuals at multiple points in time. They can be contrasted with cross-sectional studies, in which data are gathered at a single point in time, and with longitudinal studies more generally, in which data are gathered at multiple points in time, but not necessarily on the same individuals at multiple points in time (e.g., a repeated cross-sectional study or a rolling cross-sectional study). Panel studies have particular advantages for the study of political communication-most prominent of which is their greater ability to address issues of causality and change-and in the past decade or so data from panel studies have become much more prominent in the political communication literature. However, as with any study design, panel studies have limitations and must be properly designed for the particular research goal at hand to provide the highest return on the considerable investment required to conduct them.
