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.

• Accompanied by a free CD-ROM with Excel modules demonstrating concepts and facilitating population projections and other commonly-needed techniques
• Clear, non-technical explanations of methods, with worked examples, enable students without a background in algebra, calculus or statistics to learn demographic methods
• For interpreting demographic data and indices, the book includes concepts and strategies not covered by any other methods texts
• Includes techniques for analysis of population at regional and local, as well as national, scales - of particular interest to geographers and planners but usually omitted from demographic texts
• Includes chapters on migration and applied demography
• The only text with fully integrated computer-based learning modules, providing visual demonstrations of the nature of demographic concepts and visual comparisons of demographic data
• Spreadsheet exercises at the end of every chapter develop the relevant computer skills essential in working with demographic statistics

Donald T. Rowland - Reader in Population Studies, The Australian National University