Course description
Demographic Methods 2
The module will cover a range of more advanced methods of demographic analysis, including multiple decrement life tables, health expectancies, an introduction to event history analysis, the use of type 1 and type 2 rates in demography and sources of bias in event history data, parity-specific measurement, empirical and relational model life tables, models for age patterns, stable population theory, selected topics in population projections, and elements of linear algebra and matrix models of population dynamics.
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Outcome / Qualification etc.
Credits: 5 ECTS
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate problem solving by using spreadsheets and open access demographic software for a range of demographic tasks.
- Calculate a stable population, compute and analyse the basic features and measures of the associated population dynamics;
- Carry out basic operations on matrices and vectors, and apply basic matrix algebra to population projection problems;
- Appreciate specific issues in population projections, such as small area, household and multistate projections;
- Explain and assess the use of model schedules in demography, especially in the context of missing or incomplete data;
- Critically evaluate the potential biases involved in analysing event history data, and the main methods to handle these;
- Construct a multiple decrement life table, eliminate or modify a cause of decrement, and calculate healthy life expectancy;
- Interpret and apply parity-specific fertility measures, and appreciate current debates regarding the measurement of fertility;
Training Course Content
Dependent and independent multiple decrement life tables and other advanced life table methods. Health expectancies. Introduction to event history analysis and birth histories; Kaplan-Meier estimator. Additional fertility measures: parity progression ratios and birth history measures. Fertility and reproduction estimated from cross-sectional or longitudinal surveys. Model age patterns and stable population theory, with applications to historical data and populations lacking complete vital statistics. Models for demographic estimation when data are incomplete or inaccurate. Selected topics in population projections. Matrix population models and the Leslie matrix. Introduction to multistate demography.
Course delivery details
The course will be taught by lectures and extended small-group practical classes. Paper copies of the lecture slides and class exercises will be handed out at the beginning of the course. Some indicative reading is given at the end of this outline, and further sources will be mentioned in lectures.