Which of the following best describes a panel survey?

A panel survey is characterized by its focus on longitudinal data collection, which means it follows the same group of individuals over an extended period. This approach allows researchers to observe changes and trends within the same population, facilitating a deeper understanding of dynamics over time. For example, a panel survey could track responses to specific social issues, consumer behaviors, or health outcomes, taking measurements at multiple intervals. This repeated measurement is crucial because it enables researchers to analyze causation and changes more effectively than with cross-sectional surveys, which capture a snapshot at only one specific moment. By consistently gathering data from the same respondents, panel surveys can provide valuable insights into how attitudes, behaviors, or circumstances evolve, making them a powerful tool in social research.