Question 1

The principal benefit of the American Community Survey is that it contains data that are more timely than those from a census.

Accepted Answer

The American Community Survey (ACS) is conducted annually, providing more current data compared to the decennial census, which is conducted every 10 years. This allows for more timely insights into social, economic, housing, and demographic characteristics.

Question 2

Germany has always had a population register rather than conducting a census.

Accepted Answer

Germany has conducted censuses at various points in its history, including during the periods of the German Empire, Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, East and West Germany, and the reunified Germany. The population register is used but does not replace the need for censuses.

Question 3

Life insurance companies and pension funds both make more money the longer their customers live.

Accepted Answer

Life insurance companies generally pay out upon the death of the insured, so they benefit financially if their customers live longer and premiums continue to be paid without the company having to make a payout. Pension funds, on the other hand, have to pay out benefits for a longer period if their customers live longer, which can strain their resources.

Question 4

Public Use Microdata are individual-level data from censuses in the United States and other countries.

Accepted Answer

Public Use Microdata are indeed individual-level data from censuses and surveys that are made available to the public, typically with identifying information removed to protect confidentiality.

Question 5

The U.S. Census Bureau has played a significant role in the development of geographic information science.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Census Bureau has been instrumental in the development of geographic information science (GIS) through its extensive work in collecting, analyzing, and mapping demographic data, which has driven advancements in GIS methodologies and technologies.

Question 6

Survey data are never available at the same geographic detail as are census data. What are the disadvantages associated with demographic data that are not provided at a fine geographic scale?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Survey data are never available at the...

Question 7

The millennial generation is usually defined as people born since 1996.

Accepted Answer

The millennial generation is typically defined as people born from 1981 to 1996. Those born since 1997 are generally considered part of Generation Z.

Question 8

A census has been taken every 10 years in the United States since 1790.

Accepted Answer

The United States has conducted a census every 10 years since 1790, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, to count the population for representation and taxation purposes.

Question 9

The U.S., Canadian, and Mexican censuses all ask questions about either race, ethnicity, or language.

Accepted Answer

All three countries' censuses include questions related to race, ethnicity, or language to gather demographic information and understand the diversity within their populations.

Question 10

Virtually all of the demographic surveys and surveillance systems administered in developing countries are paid for by governments in richer countries. What is the advantage to richer countries of helping less-rich countries to collect demographic data?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Virtually all of the demographic surveys and...

Question 11

Congressional redistricting in the United States is demographic in nature because geo-referenced demographic data are required to create the districts.

Accepted Answer

Congressional redistricting involves using demographic data, such as population size and composition, to ensure districts are fairly represented, which necessitates geo-referenced demographic data for accurate mapping and compliance with legal requirements.

Question 12

The Domesday Book in England represents the first modern census.

Accepted Answer

The Domesday Book, completed in 1086, is not considered the first modern census but rather a survey for tax purposes, detailing landholdings and resources in England to assess the wealth and assets of its inhabitants for William the Conqueror. The first modern census, involving the systematic collection of demographic information, is generally considered to be the one conducted in Sweden in 1749.

Question 13

In the United States, data are already collected from nearly everyone for Social Security cards and drivers' licenses. Why then does the country not have a population register that would eliminate the need for the census?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the United States, data are already...

Question 14

What is the value to us in the twenty-first century of having an accurate demographic picture of earlier centuries?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the value to us in...

Question 15

Provide an example of spatial autocorrelation from your own personal experience. How might this concept influence your demographic perspective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Provide an example of spatial autocorrelation from...

Quiz 2: Demographic Data and Applied Demography