John Gottman's studies are primarily an example of which research design?

John Gottman's studies are primarily an example of a longitudinal study because they involve observing and collecting data from the same subjects over an extended period. In Gottman's research, he examines couples and their interactions over time to identify patterns that predict relationship outcomes. This type of research design allows for the exploration of changes and developments in relationships, as researchers can assess the same couples' dynamics at multiple points, providing insights into how these relationships evolve or devolve over time.

Longitudinal studies are particularly valuable in fields such as communication and psychology because they can reveal causal relationships and trends that may not be detectable in data collected at a single point in time. This ongoing observation allows researchers to gather rich, detailed data that can illustrate how earlier behaviors and interactions may have consequences for later outcomes. In contrast, other study types, such as cross-sectional studies, provide a snapshot at a single time, which wouldn’t capture the dynamic processes that Gottman's research is focused on.