Final answer:
Demographic data consists of personal attributes or characteristics of people or objects, collected through censuses and vital statistics registries, and include both qualitative and quantitative information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific type of data that describes personal attributes of a patient or characteristics of an object, such as name, date of birth (DOB), address, and social security number (SSN) for a patient, or details like company name and part number for an object, are referred to as demographic data. Demographic data are key elements routinely collected by governmental agencies through vital statistics registries and censuses. These data help to identify and analyze population dynamics and consist of qualitative information that describes the attributes of a population, as well as quantitative elements that are expressed in numbers, such as age and income levels.
When used strategically, demographic data play a critical role in various fields, including marketing, urban planning, and health care, to tailor services and products to specific population segments. They provide insights into economic, social, and cultural factors that influence market trends or identify needs within a community.
An example to illustrate the use of demographics might be the 'youth bulge' phenomenon, where a large share of the population is composed of young individuals. Understanding such demographics can have significant impacts on employment policy planning, educational needs, and economic development.