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Demographics
The term demographics refers to particular characteristics of a population. The word is derived from the Greek words for people (demos) and picture (graphy). Examples of demographic characteristics include age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, income, education, home ownership, sexual orientation, marital status, family size, health and disability status, and psychiatric diagnosis.
Demographics as Variables in Research
Demographic information provides data regarding research participants and is necessary for the determination of whether the individuals in a particular study are a representative sample of the target population for generalization purposes. Usually demographics or research participant characteristics are reported in the methods section of the research report and serve as independent variables in the research design. Demographic variables are independent variables by definition because they cannot be manipulated. In research, ...
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