| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 20N.2.SL.TZ0.1 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Calculate | Question number | 1 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 1: Demographic transition model
[Source: CIA, 2018. World Factbook: Costa Rica. Available at:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/geos/cs.html.]
Costa Rica has a crude birth rate (CBR) of 15.3 and a crude death rate (CDR) of 4.8. Identify the stage in which Costa Rica would be placed on the demographic transition model shown in Figure 1.
Costa Rica has a crude birth rate (CBR) of 15.3 and a crude death rate (CDR) of 4.8. Calculate the natural increase rate (NIR) for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has a crude birth rate (CBR) of 15.3 and a crude death rate (CDR) of 4.8. Calculate the doubling time for Costa Rica.
Outline one strength and one limitation of the demographic transition model.
Outline the socioeconomic factors that may cause a society to move from Stage 2 to Stage 3 on the demographic transition model.
Markscheme
stage 3;
NIR = 1.05;
Note: As there is some disagreement in the literature, accept 10.5 (per thousand)
doubling time (DT) =
DT = 66.67 years;
Note: Accept 67 years, but do not credit unless units are given.
Strength [1 max]:
provides a theoretical basis for comparing other societies;
can be applied to a wide range of societies;
allows predictions to be made regarding transitions / population growth;
it is based on historical data;
indicates relationship between multiple factors;
Weakness [1 max]:
many assumptions are made to make the model / relationships are quite simplistic;
Eurocentric model might not apply to all countries;
does not take into account events such as migration/war/rapid spread of disease that may have limited impact on populations;
decreasing birth rate/ fertility/growth / smaller families due to:
- increased access to contraception/family planning/sex education;
- improved (access to) healthcare / reduced child mortality;
- improved education/emancipation of women;
- shift from agricultural society / less dependence on child labour;
continued decreasing death rate due to:
- improved sanitation;
- improved (access to) healthcare/food provision;
Note: Must link answer to decreasing birth rate and/or decreasing death rate to earn mark.
Award [2] max if candidate addresses only birth rate or only death rate.
Examiners report
Most were able to identify the stage of demographic transition.
Most were able to calculate NIR.
Very few knew how to calculate doubling times for a population.
Most were able to identify a strength of the model but few identified a realistic weakness.
Most could identify a couple of factors that would facilitate a shift into stage 3 but very few gained the full 3 marks available.
