VLS Research Design
Overview
The Victoria Longitudinal Study follows a Longitudinal Sequential design. It began in the late 1980s with the first sample (n=484). The second independent sample began in the 1990s (n=530). The third independent sample (n=580) began in the early 2000s. Each sample is tested repeatedly at three-year intervals. Thus, Sample 1 has been tested on seven different occasions (over 18 years), Sample 2 has been tested on five different occasions (over 12 years), and Sample 3 has been tested on two occasions (over 6 years). Each occasion of testing involves about 10-12 hours of contact time with each participant. All participants in the three samples are initially between the ages of 55 and 85 years. For each sample, a comparison group of younger adults (n=100-200) is also assembled.
Research Design
A summary graph of the research design may be viewed here [VLS Design]. As can be seen in the blueprint, the overall design called for at least seven occasions of measurement for each sample. A wide range of information is collected during VLS testing sessions. These include multiple indicators of the following constructs or latent variables.
Memory
Neurocognitive Speed and Resources
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Biological Vitality
Health Status
Psychosocial Aspects
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