Previous research into the correlates and determinants of non-response in longitudinal
surveys has focused exclusively on why it is that respondents at one survey wave choose not
to participate at future waves. This is very understandable if non-response is always an
absorbing state, but in many longitudinal surveys, and certainly most household panels, this is
not the case. Indeed, in these surveys it is normal practice to attempt to make contact with
many non-respondents at the next wave. This study differs from previous research by
examining the process of re-engagement with previous wave non-respondents. Drawing on
data from three national household panels it is found that the re-engagement decision is
indeed distinctly different from the decision about continued participation. Further, these
differences have clear implications for the way panel surveys should be administered given
the desire to enhance overall response rates.