Researching the benefits of learning: the persuasive power of longitudinal studies

Citation

Field J (2011) Researching the benefits of learning: the persuasive power of longitudinal studies. London Review of Education, 9 (3), pp. 283-292. https://doi.org/10.1080/14748460.2011.616320

Abstract
Recent years have witnessed considerable growth in research into the benefits of learning. Much of this has drawn on large scale longitudinal survey data, finding clear if small benefits to individuals from participating in learning. The paper identifies and explores some limitations in this work, and examines the possibility that there may also be negative outcomes for some people, but concludes that overall this body of work marks a landmark in the study of adult learning.

Keywords
Lifelong learning; Longitudinal research; benefits of learning; social capital; human capital

Journal
London Review of Education: Volume 9, Issue 3