This paper provides an overview of the first seven years of the Competent Children study.

It covers the origins and purpose of the study, the nature of the sample data, and some of the findings and insights which have emerged.

The paper also uses these factors to explore the value of taking a longitudinal approach to social research

Paper presented at the Ministry of Social Policy seminar, The Long Road to Knowledge: longitudinal research and social policy, Wellington, 6-7 April 2001.