Time series analysis in preventive intervention research: A step-by-step guide

Abstract

Time series analysis (TSA) is a statistical approach rooted in data mining that measures outcomes that consistently fluctuate over time. It is uniquely positioned as a methodology for preventive intervention research due to its capacity to measure long-term impact in natural settings. With the ability to detect temporal patterns in a series of chronological data points, it allows researchers to detect naturalistic patterns, forecast future observations, and explain a change in data after an intervention is put in place. However, its application is historically sparse across behavioral research. This article provides counseling researchers with an overview of TSA and presents a step-by-step guide for conducting TSA analyses in counseling research. The author discusses the key concepts, steps for implementation, and the strengths and challenges of conducting TSA.