Early and Late Birds: Response Timing Patterns as Predictors of Panel Attrition in Online Surveys

Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center 

To improve the effectiveness of field management strategies and to identify optimal field timing, it is crucial to understand the differences between early responders (early birds) and those who only respond after receiving reminders (late birds).
This study examines whether systematic biases exist in early and late birds, how their response behavior influences panel participation, and whether their data quality differs (e.g., item nonresponse, speeding).
We analyze 20,817 respondents across eight waves of a push to web survey of the German labor force, aged between 18-65 (IAB-OPAL).
Using a discrete hazard model, we investigate the relationship between days until response to the survey and panel dropout risk.
Preliminary findings indicate that late birds exhibit a significantly higher dropout risk in subsequent waves. A nonlinear relationship exists between the number of panel participations and dropout probability. Our findings have practical implications for reducing panel attrition and systematic bias, improving data quality and optimizing field management.

Response timing in online survey

Panel attrition

Data quality

Fieldmanagement

Bias

Item non-response 

Survey Research Methods Section