Sociology 320 - Spring 2007
Due: 2:50 pm, Thurs., Feb. 15, 2007
This assignment is in three parts. Attach a cover sheet for the entire assignment, with your name, the assignment number, and the submission date.
1) Go to the American Factfinder, American Community Survey (ACS) 2005 data summary Web pages for the Kennewick-Richland-Pasco Metropolitan Statistical Area (Tri-Cities MSA). [click here to access]
2) Review data as presented under the five headings: Demographic, Social, Economic, Housing, Narrative.
3) Answer the following questions regarding estimated characteristics of the Tri-Cities MSA population in 2005:
What percentage is under 10 years of age? 10-14 years? 15-19 years? 20-24 years? 25-34 years? 35 years and older?
What percentage is White, Black or African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, Two or More Races?
What percentage is Hispanic or Latino?
How many were enrolled in college or graduate school?
How many had some college, but no degree? An Associate's degree?
What percentage of the population speaks a language other than English at home?
What percentage of households had income and benefits under $25,000? $25,000-$34,999? $35,000-$49,999? $50,000 and over?
Based on the above, what suggestions might you have for colleges and universities interested in (better) serving the the Tri-Cities area?
4) Go to the American Factfinder 2000 ACS Fact Sheets for Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and any other community you would like. Do so by entering the City and State in the 'Fast Access to Information' area. [click here to access]
5) Pick one characteristic of the population of each city that would be interesting to examine with respect to geographical distribution (e.g. age 65 years and over; a particular racial or ethnic group; families below the poverty line; etc.). Display and print maps for each city regarding the geographical distribution of that population characteristic. What might local officials, social service agencies, or others find interesting and useful about such geographical distribution? Explain/ discuss.
6) Download a copy of the American Community Survey 2005 Questionnaire. [click here to download]
7) Critically analyze the American Community Survey 2005 Questionnaire. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this questionnaire form? (a) Which questions are most interesting and important? What important questions were not asked? What is especially interesting to you about the data presented in this summary report? What data do you think local institutions (government agencies, schools, hospitals, businesses) should pay particular attention to? (b) What important data about the population of the Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area is not included in the survey questionnaire? Discuss.
Assignment should be typed, double-spaced, spell-checked, 12 pt. type. All sources should be properly quoted, cited, and documented. Include complete list of references. Good luck!
last updated February 06, 2007