Experiments with methods to reduce attrition in longitudinal surveys

Summary

 We report findings from two large-scale randomized experiments, carried
out on the British Household Panel Survey, with survey features designed
to reduce sample attrition. The first experiment compares strategies
for obtaining updated contact information from sample members. We find
that the propensity to locate a sample member at wave t
successfully is maximized by a between-wave mailing of a
change-of-address card, rather than an address confirmation card or no
card. The second experiment compares standardized and tailored
respondent reports for young people and busy people. We find that
tailored reports have a modest positive effect on rates of co-operation
for both groups, though the effect for busy people depends on providing
the option of a shorter telephone interview instead of the full
face-to-face interview.