Working with Data in Population Research

Faculteit Ruimtelijke Wetenschappen
Jaar 2020/21
Vakcode GEMWDPR
Vaknaam Working with Data in Population Research
Niveau(s) master
Voertaal Engels
Periode semester I a
ECTS 5
Rooster rooster.rug.nl

Uitgebreide vaknaam Working with Data in Population Research
Leerdoelen (a) Make scientifically sound decisions on the choice of methods to answer specific research questions, as embedded in relevant population research paradigms
(b) Apply the qualitative research cycle for design, data collection, and analysis
(c) Discuss the process of collection and diffusion of secondary quantitative data
(d) Compute and interpret the main demographic measures
(e) Reflect on issues of validity, reliability and ethics in population research
(f) Document population research findings in a scientific manner
Omschrijving The course provides an overview of different demographic data sources, both quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection, and measures and methods used in the analysis of population-level demographic data.
Data sources that are introduced include census, register data, and surveys. The covered techniques of data collection include surveys, focus-group discussions, in-depth interviewing, and observation. In addition, we discuss the population pyramid, demographic rates and probabilities, age standardization, decomposition methods, fertility and mortality measures.
Focus is on practical issues, such as which data to use for which research question, how to collect demographic data, how to interpret demographic measures, and how to conduct demographic analyses. In addition, a critical attitude will be taken, with a focus on ethical issues and data quality issues.
The course combines formal teaching sessions with practical activities, such as group discussions, classroom practical sessions, and computer labs.
The course will be divided into two parts: the first one dealing with qualitative data collection techniques, and the second one presenting secondary quantitative demographic data collection techniques, and major demographic measures.
Uren per week variabel
Onderwijsvorm Computer practicals, Guest lectures, Independent study, Lectures, Practicals
Toetsvorm Group assignments, Individual assignments
Vaksoort master
Coördinator dr. A.P.P. Remund
Docent(en) A. Artamonova ,dr. B. de Haas , Guest lecturers ,dr. A.P.P. Remund , J.A.K. Thomassen , J.W. Venema, MSc.
Verplichte literatuur
Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs
Demography: measuring and modeling population processes. Blackwell Publishers.*
Also on books.google.nl		 S.H. Preston, P. Heuveline, M. Guillot (2000) 9781557864512 ca. €  35,00
Qualitative Research Methods, 2nd edition, Sage. https://uk-sagepub-com.proxy-ub.rug.nl/en-gb/eur/qualitative-research-methods/book242878 £31.99 M. Hennink, I. Hutter, A. Bailey (2020) 9781473903913 ca. €  40,00
Additional literature that will be announced through the Student Portal (Nestor).
Entreevoorwaarden Prerequisites for the course are knowledge on using Excel. It is advised that students complete an Excel web tutorial before the start of part two of the course.
Opmerkingen *This book (Demography: measuring and modeling population processes) is also used within the course Life Table and Population Projections.
Compulsory for students of the Master in Population Studies. Elective for ReMa students.
20-30 students (based on availability of computers).
Opgenomen in
Opleiding Jaar Periode Type
MSc Population Studies  (Basic programme Population Studies) 1 semester I a verplicht
MSc Spatial Sciences (research)  (Optional methodological courses (GERMMETH) year 1 and 2 Spatial Sciences) - semester I a keuze