Learning from name generator/interpreters in mass surveys: Findings from Turkey

Using three surveys from Turkey conducted in 2008 and 2009, two important methodological questions are raised concerning the application of Name Generator/Interpreter items in mass surveys. The first of these questions concerns whether different data collection methods (face-to-face as opposed to telephone interviews) make a difference to the network size variable, from which a host of other network variables are also generated. The second is about those respondents who do not name any discussants in their networks. Determinants of reported network size and non-discussant reports show a clear gender difference as well as patterns suggestive of the relevance of data collection techniques as a possible source for observed variations in basic network information. It is likely that the important matters name generator question does not adequately account for the respondents with no discussants; hence, follow-up questions are useful to both designate and further inquire the properties of this group. We link the gender differences observed to possible fieldwork difficulties in a conservative society like Turkey.