[Computerized family reconstitution on a large data-base: the SOREP system].

Area of Science:

• * Computational Social Science
• * Historical Demography
• * Population Genetics

Background:

• * Traditional family reconstitution methods are labor-intensive and prone to errors.
• * Existing record linkage systems lack comprehensive tools for name similarity and ambiguous links.
• * The Saguenay population register provides a rich dataset for testing new reconstitution methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To introduce a novel computerized system for family reconstitution.
• * To enhance the efficiency and accuracy of genealogical data linkage.
• * To support diverse research analyses including social history, demography, and population genetics.

Main Methods:

• * Computerization of all family reconstitution steps.
• * Development of algorithms for identifying name and surname similarities.
• * Implementation of techniques for processing ambiguous links.
• * Creation of programs for data quality and link strength assessment.

Main Results:

• * Successful application of the system to 660,000 Saguenay parish records (1842-1971).
• * Demonstrated improvements in linkage efficiency and accuracy.
• * Validated system's capability to handle diverse historical datasets.

Conclusions:

• * The new computerized system significantly advances family reconstitution capabilities.
• * The system offers a robust framework for historical and population studies.
• * This methodology provides a valuable tool for researchers in demography and genetics.