Concepts, Methods and Practical Applications in Applied Demography ― An Introductory Textbook

This textbook offers a comprehensive overview of applied demography by presenting both basic concepts and methodological techniques. It allows students from the social and human sciences, demographers, consultants and anyone interested in applied demography to gain an understanding of a wide range of practical applications of demographic concepts, methods and techniques to real- world problems. Featured sidebars highlight relevant terms and concepts and case studies and exercises throughout the book offer first-hand exposure to demographic applications. Charts and graphs supplement the presentation of demographic concepts and a glossary provides an inventory of relevant terms.

The first section reviews basic components of applied demography as a context for understanding and addressing societal issues. It details the methods, techniques and data sources applied by demographers in a variety of areas. Coverage includes cohort analysis, data standardization, population estimation, and the use of geographic in- formation systems (GIS). The second section focuses on the substantive areas in which demography is currently applied. The topics covered include business demography, health demography, political demography, educational demography, and applications to urban and regional planning. The book illustrates the many ways in which demographers contribute to the formulation of public policy and the resolution of societal issues.

Richard K. Thomas, Ph.D., has spent his entire professional career (30+ years) in health services research, marketing, planning, and business development. He is a partner in a Memphis-based consulting firm and is associated with various other research and consulting endeavors. Dr. Thomas provides consultation services to hospitals, physician practices, health plans, and other healthcare organizations in the areas of strategic planning, market research, and business development. He has served as an evaluation consultant on a number of projects. He has authored or co-authored fifteen books and numerous articles on healthcare. He was an early proponent of “health demography” and his book (co-authored with Louis Pol) The Demography of Health and Health Care has set the standard for the field. Dr. Thomas is currently on the faculties of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Preventive Medicine) and the University of St. Francis (healthcare administration). Dr. Thomas has been awarded numerous government and foundation grants and has managed several NIH grants related to health data management. Dr. Thomas holds a Ph.D. in medical sociology from Vanderbilt University. His earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) and master’s degrees in sociology and geography from the University of Memphis.