Statistics in Fertility Research: Value and Limitations

摘要

This report examines some of the common statistical methods used by fertility researchers, focusing on their limitations. Because there are few, if any, statistical problems unique to fertility studies, the focus is on the value and limitations of the statistical techniques used throughout the social sciences. The study deals with the statistical approach; some general statistical tools, including models and data collection techniques; some specific statistical methods, including regression analysis, indexes, the formal analysis of error, and others.