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The sensitivity analysis of population projections

Author

Listed:
  • Hal Caswell

    (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

  • Nora Sánchez Gassen

    (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

Abstract

Background: Population projections using the cohort component method can be written as time-varying matrix population models. The matrices are parameterized by schedules of mortality, fertility, immigration, and emigration over the duration of the projection. A variety of dependent variables are routinely calculated (the population vector, various weighted population sizes, dependency ratios, etc.) from such projections. Objective: Our goal is to derive and apply theory to compute the sensitivity and the elasticity (proportional sensitivity) of any projection outcome to changes in any of the parameters, where those changes are applied at any time during the projection interval. Methods: We use matrix calculus to derive a set of equations for the sensitivity and elasticity of any vector valued outcome ξ(t) at time t to any perturbation of a parameter vector Ɵ(s) at any time s. Results: The results appear in the form of a set of dynamic equations for the derivatives that are integrated in parallel with the dynamic equations for the projection itself. We show results for single-sex projections and for the more detailed case of projections including age distributions for both sexes. We apply the results to a projection of the population of Spain, from 2012 to 2052, prepared by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística, and determine the sensitivity and elasticity of (1) total population, (2) the school-age population, (3) the population subject to dementia, (4) the total dependency ratio, and (5) the economic support ratio. Conclusions: Writing population projections in matrix form makes sensitivity analysis possible. Such analyses are a powerful tool for the exploration of how detailed aspects of the projection output are determined by the mortality, fertility, and migration schedules that underlie the projection.

Suggested Citation

  • Hal Caswell & Nora Sánchez Gassen, 2015. "The sensitivity analysis of population projections," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 33(28), pages 801-840.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:demres:v:33:y:2015:i:28
    DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2015.33.28
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    population projections; matrix population models; sensitivity analysis; elasticity; Spain; economic support ratio; matrix calculus;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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