Kutay TÖRÜNER: Comparability of Data Collected in Turkish Demographic Surveys. ( Unpublished Master Thesis. Ankara, Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, 2001)

This study includes a general overview of demographic surveys that have been conducted in Turkey so far and an analysis of the consecutive surveys conducted by Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies since 1978 in terms of data quality and comparability. A broad discussion of the possible effects of the different technics and methods used in the preparation, implementation and analysis stages of the existing surveys can be found in this thesis. In order to scientifically prove these effects, data collected by using the fertility, fertility regulation, contraceptive knowledge and usage modules of consecutive surveys conducted by Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies every five years since 1968 were analysed. The last chapter of the thesis displays the effects of the comparability problems, in the last 5 consecutive surveys, on the demographic indicators and the demographic studies.

A brief assessment of the findings will prove the effects of the different procedures used during stages of a survey, such as sample design, fieldwork, data entry and analysis on demographic studies. Especially the last chapter of the dissertation strongly supports this hypothesis with the existing tables.

Consequently, this study can be regarded as a guide that includes important points of consideration for a researcher who wants to make a comparative study with using the data of consecutive surveys or the ones which carried out in different populations.