Setting up Probability-Based Online Panels of Migrants with a Push-to-Web Approach: Lessons Learned from the German Emigration and Remigration Panel Study (GERPS)

Abstract

We address two major challenges in setting up probability-based online panels of migrants, using the German Emigration and Remigration Panel Study (GERPS) as an example. The first challenge is potential spatial and social selectivity in unit response when using push-to-web recruitment. To address the first challenge, we draw on a split ballot experiment with return migrants in wave 1 of GERPS. The related analysis uses population register data and geo data. We use logistic regressions to compare unit nonresponse between a push-to-web-only control group (n = 5999) and two sub-samples (each n = 1000) with optional paper and pencil interviews (PAPI). The second challenge is panel attrition. To address the second challenge, we investigate the role of individual-level and survey-related factors for panel consent. The regression analysis uses GERPS data of first-wave respondents, estimating panel consent rates for responding remigrants in general (n = 6395) and in the experiment sample (n = 2130). We find that the provision of an optional paper questionnaire marginally increases the likelihood of response. The positive correlation of PAPI and response rate, however, is counterbalanced by a negative correlation with the likelihood of panel consent. This suggests a trade-off scenario to the detriment of either response rates or panel participation rates.

When expectations backfire: A longitudinal analysis on unmet migration expectations and destination attachment of recent immigrants to Switzerland

“…Lower educated participants drop out more frequently than higher educated participants (e.g. Genoni et al, 2021). Moreover, it is likely that the most disillusioned immigrants leave the panel.…”

Is it all about the costs? Cultural distance and adjustment of recent migrants

“…GERPS was designed so that respondents in wave 1 had to complete the questionnaire soon after arrival in their destination country (Ette et al, 2020). This was possible because the study combines an origin-based sampling (Ghimire et al, 2019) with a push-to-web approach (Dillman, 2017) by sampling German citizens who recently moved abroad from Germany and inviting them to participate in an online survey by post (Genoni et al, 2021). Second, GERPS is a large-scale survey that is based on a probability sample using local population registers, which enabled us to tackle reliability issues of previous CD studies that have often been based on small non-probability samples (e.g.…”

Enhancing Participation in Probability-Based Online Panels: Two Incentive Experiments and Their Effects on Response and Panel Recruitment

“…There are two critical steps when setting up online panels with the exclusive reliance on mail invitations (Callegaro & DiSogra, 2008; Genoni et al, 2021; Sakshaug et al, 2020). The first one is the transition from the analogous invitation letter to a digitalized online questionnaire.…”