Considerations in Interpreting Demographic Data
(From Don Rowland, 2003, Demographic Methods and Concepts, Oxford UP, Oxford. Table 5.2, p 159. © Oxford University Press. By permission of Oxford University Press).
1.Ranges
Examine the range of the data – from highest to lowest values. Is the population varied or fairly uniform in its characteristics?
2. Extremes
Note any extreme values; these may deserve special attention as exceptions or errors.
3. Clusters
Identify clusters of values. Are there natural groupings in the data? For example, are people with low incomes concentrated in particular suburbs, or occupational categories, or in groups with poor health or other social disadvantages?
4. Patterns
Identify patterns of variation, such as whether the data vary by age, ethnicity or education in some regular way. Rates of fertility, mortality and migration, for example, vary by age and other characteristics.
5. Processes
Consider processes of change:
- demographic processes – such as natural increase, net migration, cohort flow, and ageing. These are the immediate causes of population changes, whereas social, economic and political forces comprise the underlying causes
- non-demographic processes – such as globalisation, social mobility, social discrimination, changes in the status of women, technological innovation, amendments to laws and policies.
Marshalling evidence on the influence of demographic and non-demographic processes is important in developing explanations, or at least partial explanations, of changes.
6. Comparisons
between sub-populations and the total population
- with other times and places.
7. Concepts
Place the discussion in the context of concepts and theories. These extend the comparative context, at the same time providing the most informative basis for generalisations and explanations.
8. Visualisation
Draw graphs and maps as appropriate to provide a visual impression of variations in the data. These can greatly assist data interpretation, although normally only a small selection of them need to be included in the final paper.
9. Implications
Discuss implications – for the future, for plans and policies, for further research.
10. Summary points
Describe the main findings, compared with conclusions from previous research. Identify anything new or unexpected. Highlight any insights into the question or problem investigated. Explain data needs for further inquiry.