This synthesis has been produced as part of the Methodological Learning and Lessons from Young Lives project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), that aims to share learning, strengthen capacity, and improve effectiveness in the conduct of longitudinal research in low- and middle-income countries. It considers the methodological challenges involved in undertaking a longitudinal study and provides learning for others engaged or interested in similar forms of research.

The synthesis aims to highlight the variety of methodological features that make up the Young Lives research design and describes their implications for investigating different aspects of children’s development across the early life course. We hope that the insights captured here will contribute to a growing body of evidence and also encourage anyone considering these methodologies to apply them to their own research.