Basic, introductory course of demography and population studies. Sources and methods are examined in connection with substantive issues. Presentation of basic techniques of statistical analysis for population studies.
Ulrich Kohler and Frauke Kreuter (2013), Data Analysis Using Stata, Third edition, Stata Press
Obiettivi Formativi
a) Understanding the main demographic dynamics (interplay of stock and flow data);
b) Learning where to retrieve demographic information and data;
c) Acquiring the basic skills to analyze simple data sets, also using statistical software (e.g., STATA).
d) Being able to calculate autonomously the main demographic indicators, given the proper raw numbers;
e) Understanding demographic problems and envisaging possible solutions.
Prerequisiti
Know how to read and interpret simple tables and graphs.
Metodi Didattici
Lectures, practice exercises.
Altre Informazioni
For teaching material see the Moodle page of the course.
Modalità di verifica apprendimento
Exams will take place at computers in the Lab. The exam is composed by 5 questions (each question scores 6 points).
Programma del corso
Definition of demography: its purpose, methods, sources and data.
Description of stocks, flows and demographic phenomena (mortality, couple formation and dissolution, fertility, migration).
Social and demographic sources of data.
Sample surveys: how to develop a sample survey and how to implement a questionnaire for data collection.
Descriptive statistics (central tendency and variability measures) and graphical representations.
Basic univariate and multivariate data analysis for population studies (group comparison, correlation analysis, regression models).