Methodological Think Tank: "Minimizing Attrition in Longitudinal Research"

Loss of research participants to follow-up is the Achilles Heel of longitudinal research. The purpose of the Methodological Think-Tank is to explore practical approaches to minimizing attrition in longitudinal trauma research. The session is intended to be a freewheeling, exciting, and extemporaneous discussion rather than a series of planned presentations. Three researchers who have specific expertise in longitudinal research will initiate the discussion with brief presentations on the most important ways to minimize attrition in longitudinal research. Then, a researcher who is conducting longitudinal trauma research will present some of the dilemmas she has faced in maintaining a sample in longitudinal sample. Audience feedback will be sought as well. The panel members will then each have an opportunity to respond to some of the questions raised by the researcher and other audience members, and raise any additional pertinent points.