Reference no: EM132855393

The U.S. population data in Table 1.3 is from (Keyfitz and Flieger, 1968).

a. Graph the data. Does this data seem to fit the geometric growth model? Explain why or why not using graphical and numerical 1.1. The Malthusian Model 9 evidence. Can you think of factors that might be responsible for any deviation from a geometric model?

b. Using the data only from years 1920 and 1925 to estimate a growth rate for a geometric model, see how well the model's results agree with the data from subsequent years.

c. Rather than just using 1920 and 1925 data to estimate a growth parameter for the U.S. population, find a way of using all the data to get what (presumably) should be a better geometric model. (Be creative. There are several reasonable approaches.) Does your new model fit the data better than the model from part (b)?

Table 1.3. U.S. Population Estimates

Year Population (in 1,000s)

1920 106,630

1925 115,829

1930 122,988

1935 127,252

1940 131,684

1945 131,976

1950 151,345

1955 164,301

1960 179,990