ABSTRACT
This chapter starts by discussing commonly applied analytical methods that are currently available, including latent growth curve models and cross-lagged panel models. It subsequently describes some more novel approaches, such as how to analyse data derived from experience sampling methods. To help in finding an optimal analytical model for (intensive) longitudinal data, the chapter presents an ongoing discussion regarding the accuracy of inferences and proposes a three-dimensional taxonomy that organizes existing and future analytical methods. It critically discusses new developments and future possibilities, while acknowledging future methodological challenges that remain to be tackled. Ecological and dynamic theories of adolescent development raise intriguing questions regarding the heterogeneity and non-linearity of the dynamics that drive an individual's development. Obtaining a better match between research questions and the analytical design may help to seek for such processes and to avoid interpretation fallacies related to the ecological level, homogeneity, and time scale of observation.
