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1. Method of the Consumer Survey

The Consumer Survey is a telephone interview survey by means of which it is possible to measure Finns’ images - assessments and expectations - of the general economic development and the financial situation of one's own household and intentions to make major purchases, save money or take out a loan. In addition, the survey is a tool for finding out how common modern machines and equipment are in households.

The first Finnish Consumer Survey was conducted in November 1987. Until 1991 it was carried out twice a year, in May and November. In 1992 the survey times were rose to four: the survey months were February, May, August and November. Since October 1995 the Consumer Survey data have been collected monthly on assignment of the European Commission.

The Consumer Survey has a totally new individual sample each month. The same sample is also used for the data collection of the Finnish Travel Survey and some other surveys as well. The sample size of the Consumer Survey is 2,200 persons monthly. The non-response rate nowadays being between 30 and 35 per cent, more than 1,400 responses are gained every month. The non-response rate includes those who refused from the survey or were otherwise prevented from participating as well as those who could not be contacted.

The interviews are conducted from Statistics Finland's CATI Centre during the first two or three weeks of the month. The target area is the whole country and the respondents of the Consumer Survey represent the 15 to 74-year-old population in Finland, according to age, gender, province of domicile and native language.

All the response data of the Consumer Survey are weighted against the total population by means of sample weights. Weighting corrects the effects of non-response and improves the statistical accuracy of the data. The weights are established by using a calibration method and the probability of each observation to be included in the sample. The figures and series presented are not seasonally adjusted.

Source: Consumer Survey 2011, August. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Pertti Kangassalo (09) 1734 3598, kuluttaja.barometri@stat.fi

Director in charge: Ari Tyrkkö

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Updated 29.8.2011