The process of [social research theory/model/framework conceptual relationships hypotheses working hypotheses and measurement research design data collection data analysis interpretation of results given hypotheses revision of theory

Measure concepts in order to: describe attributes, patterns, variation (univariate analysis) determine existence of relationships (association, causal) determine nature of the relationship(s) (direction, linear, non-linear, bivariate, multivariate, etc.)

population processescharacteristics fertilitysize mortalitygrowth mobilitycomposition

population processescharacteristics fertilitysize mortalitygrowth mobilitycomposition SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT

population processescharacteristics fertilitysize mortalitygrowth mobilitycomposition SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT

Units of analysis: individuals groups/communities organizations artifacts (technology, texts)

primary data collection or field studies observation/participant observation interviews survey research self-administered (mail) face-to face administered phone

secondary data collection tabulations archives other “texts”

public use data files; micro-data analysis: analysis of raw data collected by others straddles primary and secondary data analysis combination of primary and secondary data analysis

Categories of population attributes with implications for data collection Stock –size –growth –composition –distribution Flow –components of change fertility mortality mobility boundary change

Primary sources of population data: Censuses –Coverage error reliability –Measurement of error Post enumeration surveys Dual system estimation Demographic analysis –Content error Validity and reliability Surveys

U.S. Bureau of the Census Decennial census –Content Short form Long form Current Population Survey American Community Survey Business Surveys

Geographic Hierarchy

Census Regions and Divisions of the United States

Metropolitan Areas Defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Made up of a county or counties (or equivalent entities) Contain large population nucleus High socioeconomic integration MSA, CMSA, PMSA

Urbanized Areas Densely settled areas with population of at least 50,000 Geographic core of block groups or blocks that have a population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile – Urban Cluster

Counties Counties in 48 States Independent Cities in 4 States Parishes in Louisiana Cities and Boroughs in Alaska

Small-Area Geography Overview

Census Tracts For the first time for Census 2000: Cover the nation Relatively homogenous population characteristics 65,000 Census tracts across U.S. Size: optimally 4,000 people, range between 1,000 and 8,000

Blocks Smallest units of data tabulation Cover the entire nation Do not cross census tracts or counties Generally bounded by visible features and legal boundaries Block numbers completely different from 1990 Size: average about 100 people

Census Block Map

Block Groups Groups of blocks sharing the same first digit Smallest areas for which sample data available Size: optimally 1,500 people, range between 300 to 3,000

Primary sources of event data: Registration of demographic events (vital statistics –Vital registration systems –Population registration systems US: –National Center for Health Statistics County registration of vital events National Health Surveys –prevalence –Centers for Disease Control Reporting of disease –Incidence New York State Department of Health

Rates Events per population at risk of event Usually standardized (per k population) k = 1,000, or 10,000, or 100,000 Ratios Comparison of values

Crude Death Rate (CDR): CDR = deaths during year per mid-year population ( x 1,000) CDR = (d / P ) x 1,000 where d = deaths occurring during the year P = mid-year population Age Standardized rates