Twelve Frequently Asked Questions About Growth Curve Modeling

TLDR

Longitudinal data analysis has become central in developmental science, and recent advances have produced a range of growth curve models that draw from multiple disciplines, making it difficult for researchers to grasp the current state of the literature. The authors aim to clarify common questions about growth curve modeling in developmental psychology by posing twelve frequently asked questions. They answer each question concisely and non‑technical, offering specific recommendations for further reading.

Abstract

Longitudinal data analysis has long played a significant role in empirical research within the developmental sciences. The past decade has given rise to a host of new and exciting analytic methods for studying between-person differences in within-person change. These methods are broadly organized under the term growth curve models. The historical lines of development leading to current growth models span multiple disciplines within both the social and statistical sciences, and this in turn makes it challenging for developmental researchers to gain a broader understanding of the current state of this literature. To help address this challenge, the authors pose 12 questions that frequently arise in growth curve modeling, particularly in applications within developmental psychology. They provide concise and nontechnical responses to each question and make specific recommendations for further readings.