Demography in a new key

The widespread opinion that demography is lacking in theory is based in part on a particular view of the nature of scientific theory, generally known as logical empiricism [or positivism]. A newer school of philosophy of science, the model-based view, provides a different perspective on demography, one that enhances its status as a scientific discipline. From this perspective, much of formal demography can be seen as a collection of substantive models of population dynamics [how populations and cohorts behave], in short, theoretical knowledge. And many theories in behavioural demography - often discarded as too old or too simplistic - can be seen as perfectly good scientific theory, useful for many purposes, although often in need of more rigorous statement.demographic models, demographic theory, methodology, philosophy of science, population theory, the structure of demographic knowledge

Computer Modelling of Theory: Explanation for the 21st Century

Abstract not availabl

Fertility Decline: Toward a Synthetic Model

Abstract not availabl

Teaching the Fundamentals of Demography: A Models-Based Approach to Family and Fertility

Abstract not availabl

Explaining Human Fertility: One Theory or Many Theories?

Abstract not availabl

Something Ventured: Something Gained: Progress Toward a Unified Theory of Fertility Decline

Abstract not availabl

Error in Demographic and Other Quantitative Data and Analyses

This paper is about errors in statistical data. My remarks are in two parts. The first part deals with the proposition that the statistical data we consume, analyse and produce contain more error from more sources than we sometimes recognise. The second asks: How can we better deal with these errors? The topic of error in statistics can become highly technical, but for the most part this is not a technical presentation. It deals with common sense and experience; much of it is anecdotal

Toward an HRSDC Family Research Framework

Within the context of Human Resources and Social Development Canada’s Knowledge Plan 2005-2008, this paper presents: • an overview of recent changes in the family, their interpretation and implications; • a proposed framework for research on families based on the concepts of “caring, earning, and learning,” “the life course” and “constrained decision making”; • a summary of findings for each of the broad life course stages; and • implications for policy considerations and for further research