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Title: Quantitative Methods, Historical Micro-Data and the Interpretation of Canadian Economic History: An Evaluation
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 1996
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Abstract: In evaluating the application of quantitative methods to historical micro - data in Canadian economic history, the authors focus on contributions to that branch of "micro" economic history marked by the collection and analysis of data describing personal and household economic and social characteristics. This approach involves the use of primary historical records, such as census manuscripts, probate records, assessment rolls, land records, and parish records. The authors outline several illustrative studies, and offer a number of reasons why such studies have failed to make more significant impacts on the interpretation of Canadian history. They conclude that there has been a cautious underinvestment in such studies in Canada, partly as a result of the poor quality and incompleteness of the surviving census data, which have limited the applicability of formal economic models by economic historians. They offer several suggestions for better coordination of multi - disciplinary research efforts and wider dissemination of micro - data sets among quantitative historians.
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Authors: Matteo, Livio Di; George, Peter J
Periodical (Full): Journal of Canadian Studies
Issue: 2
Volume: 31
Pages: 17
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Population Data Science
Countries: Canada, United States