Tobias Rettig

Dr. Tobias Rettig coordinates the German Internet Panel (GIP) at the Research Data Center of the University of Mannheim’s Library. As a sociologist with a PhD from the University of Mannheim (part of DFG-funded CRC 884), he focuses on improving survey methodologies and addressing measurement errors. His work involves analyzing participation and attrition patterns across the GIP’s 12-year runtime to enhance data quality. He holds a bachelor’s in sociology/psychology from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and a master’s in sociology/social research from the University of Bremen.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Sociology and Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• Master’s in Sociology and Social Research (focus: Social Integration & Methodology), University of Bremen
• PhD in Sociology, University of Mannheim (2018)

His research explores how to optimize survey design, leveraging data science techniques such as text analysis of open responses and integration of digital behavioral data to reduce reliance on self-reports. He emphasizes FAIR data principles to maximize data usability for secondary analyses. Future interests include combining survey data with passive behavioral data to create more objective research outcomes.

Grants & Collaborations: Part of the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center 884 “Political Economy of Reforms” during his PhD.

Labs/Teams: Core member of the Research Data Center at the University of Mannheim Library, managing the GIP infrastructure.