Methodological considerations for research on late life future temporal perspective

Several complications may be encountered by the investigator who wishes simply to "plug a future time perspective measure or two" into highly quantitative analyses. Difficulties in data collection appear to arise both from the complex nature of time perspective and from characteristics sometimes associated with older respondents themselves. Although an accompanying data base for empirically determining the most appropriate procedures is currently absent, it appears that an awareness of certain basic points can enhance the quality and accuracy of data collection. A number of these generic methodological considerations are discussed, and various suggestions are offered. Time perspective should not be considered a universal solution for every researchable issue in gerontology. Its strong face validity and literature to date should, however, encourage our addressing the methodological difficulties that exist.