NCDS Age 55 Sweep

The age 55 sweep used a sequential mixed mode approach whereby cohort members were invited to first complete a web survey and those not responding were invited to participate via telephone.

Amongst the UK birth cohort studies this was both the first use of a web survey and the first use of a mixed mode approach to data collection. 9,137 cohort members took part in total, with 66 per cent doing so online.

The study included a small experiment, whereby a randomised subset of study members were allocated to a single mode, telephone-only interview, in order to test for the presence of mode effects on participation and measurement.

Study members were asked about caring responsibilities they had for their parents and their grandchildren.

A significant proportion also have children living at home meaning that many find themselves ‘sandwiched’ between caring for both older and younger generations. Participants were asked about the nature of their caring responsibilities and the amount of time they spent caring.

Researchers can use this information to answer important questions about the impact of caring on the cohort members, for instance on health and well-being, or decisions related to labour market participation.

The age 55 sweep made use of an interactive visual calendar which sought to aid cohort members with the completion of three ‘event history’ sections.

Cohort members were asked to give details of their cohabiting relationships, housing circumstances and periods of economic activity since the time they were last interviewed. The calendar aimed to assist with recall of past events by simultaneously displaying transitions across these three domains of life.