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Innovative Retention Methods in Longitudinal Research: A Case Study of the Developmental Trends Study

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Abstract

Minimizing participant attrition is vital to the success of longitudinal research. The Developmental Trends Study (DTS), a longitudinal study of the development of disruptive behavior disorders, has achieved a low attrition rate throughout the study. The development of early retention strategies, managing contact and scheduling history through the use of electronic databases, interviewer persistence, and the emergence of new electronic search methods have contributed to the success of our study. A literature review of retention methodology and practical solutions to maintain participant cooperation is described. A case study of the DTS is presented to inform researchers in longitudinal research on new methods used to maintain high retention rates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

    Robert B. Cotter (Project Assistant)

  2. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

    Jeffrey D. Burke (Senior Research Principle)

  3. Psychiatry, Psychology, and Epidemiology, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

    Rolf Loeber (Associate Professor of)

  4. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

    Judith L. Navratil (Senior Research Principle)

Authors
  1. Robert B. Cotter
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  2. Jeffrey D. Burke
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  3. Rolf Loeber
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  4. Judith L. Navratil
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Correspondence to Robert B. Cotter.

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Cotter, R.B., Burke, J.D., Loeber, R. et al. Innovative Retention Methods in Longitudinal Research: A Case Study of the Developmental Trends Study. Journal of Child and Family Studies 11, 485–498 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020939626243

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020939626243

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