This is the question that I posted

Children in Multigenerational Households

Q1: Post the URL and the distribution graph from the website.

https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2022/comm/children-in-multigenerational-households.html

Q2: Discuss who you believe generated the data. Do you think it is credible?

I believe the United States Census Bureau generated this data in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The U.S. Census Bureau provides data about the nation's people and economy. The department of commerce provides the data necessary to support commerce and constitutional democracy and conduct foundational research and development. I believe the data is credible because the two sources are government agencies. Most of the government data is either state-sponsored or collected and processed for continuous periods before it is made public.

Q3: Discuss what the graph reveals about the variable.

The graph indicates the percentage of children under 18 years living in multigenerational households by race and Hispanic origin. It compares the data for 2018 and 2008 on the same variable. According to this graph, the number of children living in multigenerational households is highest for native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders alone. The second-ranking race is American Indian and Alaska Native, followed by Asian. The race that records the lowest number of under-18's living in multigenerational households is the white, not Hispanic or Latino, followed by white alone.

Q3: Explain any unusual aspects, as well as the shape, center, and spread of the distribution.

It is crucial to note that some races could have a high percentage of children living in multigenerational households but still have a small number compared to others depending on the entire population in consideration. For instance, with millions of whites, the number of children living in multigenerational households could be high but, if converted into a percentage, be smaller than, for instance, Asians. The bigger the population, the smaller the percentage of children in multigenerational households. Another thing I took note of is that there has been a sharp increase, in most instances, in the ten years 2008-2018. At the middle of the distribution, we have the Black or African American Alone category of children with almost the same percentage 15.2% in 2018 as Hispanic or Latino 14.9% in 2018 (U.S. Census, 2018).

Q4: Discuss your own interpretation of the distribution.

Several variables could influence this percentage. For instance, it would be crucial to understand the mortality rate of the same races recorded. Another variable could be the level of income or financial stability measures of families in these races, as high income could correlate to low mortality rates, better health care access for the elderly, and many other factors. Yet, the data is significant in differentiating the growth rate of multigenerational households and how the variable compares racially. The percentage does not indicate the exact population. Hence, it would be hard to derive exact change when comparing these groups to their total population. Even with the same percentage, two races could differ in the population number. However, it is such a crucial piece of data as far as race is concerned.

This is what my professor posted can someone please help me understand what he is looking for in this response.

You brought up a good point identifying that the data is most likely credible due to the collection being by a government agency. However, let's consider this from a slightly different perspective. Did you know that in the 1960s, scientists as well as government agencies and experts feared that the data indicated that a second Ice Age was close at hand. As such, recommendations such as putting ashes on the polar caps was recommended to slow the icing process. Fortunately, they did not but the information was from credible source and from experts within their field. We are now facing the concept of global warming. Experts in the field as well as government agencies have identified and correlated environmental conditions with global warming. Based on the concept of a second Ice Age, we can see that the collection of data and findings are at the best and indicator that a correlation may exist. We must remember that correlation is not causation. No matter how reputable the organization is collects data, we cannot be 100% certain that the findings are correct. This is an important factor to always consider and reserve in our minds as we look at data.

The data collected in this case is at best corollary because we cannot collect data from 100% of the population. Also, we must recognize that individuals are just that, individuals. As such, we all interpret information differently. As a result, our assumptions of what is being asked and how we should answer differ. Proper validation is necessary to gain as close as possible of a particular dataset to serve as a representation, corollary speaking, to the general population.

It is interesting that the graph indicated that the distribution of the population of individuals living at home were segmented based on race as well as geographical location. We may make assumptions based upon this information, but we cannot say what is causing or affecting the demographic factors contributing to individuals living at home in multigenerational houses. What would be some of the assumptions you would make based upon his findings? To gain a full and complete picture accurately identify why this is the case, further research and studies must be conducted. What type of studies should be conducted to give us further information and validate any guesses or hypothesis that you may have based upon the populations identified to live in a multigenerational household? This is most certainly the next step in providing further insight into the living conditions and reason for certain populations living in a multigenerational household.