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On the Ratio-Correlation Regression Method of Population Estimation and Its Variants

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Emerging Techniques in Applied Demography

Part of the book series: Applied Demography Series ((ADS,volume 4))

Abstract

The most common regression-based approach to estimating the total population of a given area is the ratio-correlation method. This multiple regression method involves relating changes between several variables known as symptomatic indicators on the one had to population changes on the other hand. Among its many advantages is the fact that regression has a firm foundation in statistical inference, which leads to the construction of meaningful measures of uncertainty around the estimates it produces. No population technique other than those based on survey samples has this characteristic. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of this method of population estimation, which has only been partially accomplished in prior studies of it. We discuss not only how some of its weaknesses can be overcome, but also how they can be leveraged into producing more accurate population estimates.

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Correspondence to Jeff Tayman .

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Appendix

Appendix

1990–2000 Ratio-Correlation Model: Data, Computations, and 2005 EstimatesWashington State Counties

Table 8.2 Registered voters, 1990, 2000 and 2005
Table 8.3 Registered automobiles, 1990, 2000, and 2005
Table 8.4 School enrollment, Grades 1–8, 1990, 2000, and 2005
Table 8.5 Total population 1990 and 2000
Table 8.6 Population estimates, 2005

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Swanson, D., Tayman, J. (2015). On the Ratio-Correlation Regression Method of Population Estimation and Its Variants. In: Hoque, M., B. Potter, L. (eds) Emerging Techniques in Applied Demography. Applied Demography Series, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8990-5_8

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