Applied Demography in Action: A Case Study of "Population Identification"

David A. Swanson, Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration

This case study deals with a problem quite different than the typical one facing most applied demographers. It involves the identification of a "population" using a set of criteria established by a regulatory agency. Specifically, criteria established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for purposes of Site Characterization of the High Level Nuclear Waste Repository proposed for Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Consistent with other recent studies, this one suggests that a wide range of skills may be needed in dealing with problems posed to applied demographers by clients and users in the 21st century. As such, budding applied demographers, especially those nearing completion of their graduate studies, should consider adopting a set of skills beyond traditional demography.