Social Indicators to Explain Response in Longitudinal Studies

Economic and social studies use longitudinal panels to estimate change in variables and aggregates of interest. Attrition in such studies may threaten the validity of the estimates from the panels. This study deepens the knowledge on attrition making reference to three waves of the UK Household Longitudinal Study. While traditionally participation behaviour in panel surveys has been mostly studied with reference to socio-demographic variables and not distinguishing different components of the response process, the focus here is on the role of social indicators and personality traits in explaining contact and cooperation, beyond demographic variables. Findings show that some indicators of community attachment affect the likelihood of making contact with members of the panel and indicators of social participation are significant in explaining cooperation given contact. Personality factors and well-being related variables turn out not to be significant factors.