Preparing for the German Family Panel: design and fieldwork of the Mini Panel

Abstract

The goal of the German Panel Study of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (pairfam) is the examination of intimate and family relationships based on a repeated survey (panel). A multidisciplinary point of view is used to obtain a better understanding of decision processes relevant for family development. The disciplines involved in the pairfam project are Sociology, Psychology, Demography, and Economics. The research programme focuses on the establishment and management of intimate relationships, the timing and spacing of parenthood, the management of intergenerational relationships, and the stability of intimate relationships. Between 2004 and 2006, pairfam conducted a three-wave pilot study (Mini Panel) with about 600 respondents. The present paper describes the design and summarizes the fieldwork of the Mini Panel.