Demographic Methods and Concepts

Demographic Methods and Concepts presents the methods most commonly needed to work with statistical materials on population at national, regional and local levels. Unlike other textbooks in the field, clear non-technical language is used throughout to make demographic techniques accessible to a broad readership irrespective of background in mathematics. All the demographic techniques most relevant to the work of demographers, geographers, sociologists and planners are covered. Demographic concepts and practical strategies important in the interpretation of population statistics are also discussed. The book takes a unique and innovative computer-based approach to the visualisation of demographic concepts and data. The fully integrated accompanying CD-ROM contains spreadsheet modules, with on-screen controls and menus, run in Microsoft Excel. The modules can be used without any knowledge of computing. Further Spreadsheet Exercises in the text enable the acquisition of computing techniques that enhance the breadth and depth of investigations, as well as enjoyment and proficiency in working with population statistics.

Author Biography

Don Rowland is a Reader in Population Studies at the Australian National University, where he teaches courses on demographic methods, population trends and social changes. He has published monographs, and numerous papers in academic journals and books, focussing on migration, the family, ageing, and national population changes. His research has included many studies undertaken for Australian and international organisations, including the Committee for International
Cooperation in National Research in Demography (CICRED), the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) and the United Nations. Like many demographers, his research and
teaching is undertaken in an interdisciplinary setting; interests in family sociology and social gerontology supplement his formal academic qualifications in geography and demography.