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Demography 385
going to lead us, but we may expect it to prove of very considerable aid to
demographic research, so long as it is not forgotten that nothing wil ever be
able to replace direct observation of reality. The appearance of new methods of
analysis and of electronic computers has not only influenced research, but has
also had an effect on the teaching of demography: today demographers must
receive substantial training in mathematics.
96. The application of population policies offers a good illustration of the
difficulties encountered experimentally. For instance, in order to facilitate
family planning, the question of which contraceptive measures were best suited
to a given cultural environment was considered. Several groups of couples were
formed to whom different sorts of contraceptives were given, and the results
were observed. In this way, the necessary conditions for a proper experiment
were established. Unfortunately, individuals in one group very quickly dis-
covered that those in another group had different contraceptive means to theirs
and this led to various exchanges. Reactions on the part of the observed thus
had a disturbing effect on the conditions for the experiment.
It has sometimes been thought that when a government brought in legislation
concerning family allowances it was engaged in a genuine experiment, but it
cannot revert to the preceding situation. If it finds it has made a mistake, it is
unable to rectify it, and it sets in motion an evolution rather than an experiment.
97. In contrast to the special lines of research which we have indicated above,
and which were connected with specific problems, we must henceforth expect
research to be developed in every direction as a result of the progress made in
the means of observation.
VII. THE CONTRIBUTION OF DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH TO THE OTHER SCIENCES
98. Every time a branch of science helps to solve a question raised by demo-
graphic research, it stands to benefit itself from the research work thus instigat-
ed. So we can say that with regard to each of the subjects we have examined,
demographic research has some contribution to make to the sciences con-
cerned.
99. Just as demographic research, however, finds itself held up by unsolved
questions in the other sciences, so it is likely that these same sciences also en-
counter matters that have not yet been studied by the demographer, because he
is for the most part unaware of those sectors to which his research could be
directed so as to be of use to others.
Hence the demographer is badly placed for indicating in what way he can
help in the development of the other sciences. This is rather the task of special-
ists in the other sciences. We shall therefore confine ourselves to a few general
considerations.