Methods of Gathering Population Data

Question 1

Explain how a census works

Answer 1

Population information is collected by governments evert 10 years using a questionnaire called a census.
Each householder is asked to complete a detailed questionnaire on their social, economic and cultural backgrounds

Question 2

Examples of data collected by a census

Answer 2

Dates of birth
Gender
Employment status
Ethnic origin and background
Education
Language
Religious and marital status

Question 3

Explain how civil registration is used to gather population data

Answer 3

Births, deaths and marriages are recorded using official documents.
This ensures the government have a continually updated picture of the changing makeup of the population between censuses.

Question 4

Example of civil registration

Answer 4

A baby born in Scotland must be registered within 21 days (the creation of a birth certificate)

Question 5

Explain how the UK border agency gathers population data

Answer 5

Emigration and immigration figures are compiled by the UK border agency.
This means to say that people leaving the country are processed as well as people entering the country.

Question 6

Example of how the Border Agency gathers population data

Answer 6

The government can collect data on migration numbers through visa applications

Question 7

Explain how a mini census collects population data

Answer 7

This is a continuous survey based on a random sample of the population.
This is cheaper than carrying out a full census.

Question 8

Example of a mini census

Answer 8

The Scottish Household Survey

Question 9

Explain National, European and Global Surveys

Answer 9

A range of information is gathered from multiple national and world wide organisations who collect their own data, in order to keep data as up to date as possible

Question 10

Example of a national and a global survey

Answer 10

The United Nations
The Office for National Statistics