Unit 1 FRQ: Age 20-24 by State (Choropleth Map)

Flashcards based on the given FRQ map notes: identifying map type, interpreting the legend, understanding potential scale issues, and explaining cartogram alternatives.

What type of map is shown in the notes (with color shading by state for adults aged 20-24)?

A choropleth map (a thematic map that uses color shading to represent data values for geographic areas).

What does the legend range '7.0 and higher' indicate on this map?

States with 7.0% or more of their population aged 20-24.

What does the legend range '0-4.4' indicate on this map?

States where 0% to 4.4% of the population is aged 20-24.

Explain how the scale can be misleading on a choropleth map.

Because color shading represents percentages rather than absolute counts; larger states can appear more significant due to their area, and category breaks can exaggerate or obscure differences within ranges.

How could a cartogram display the same information about adults aged 20-24?

A cartogram would resize each state by the number of people aged 20-24 (or by their share of the total 20-24 population), showing the geographic distribution of young adults by population size rather than land area.

What general purpose does this map serve?

To illustrate geographic variation in the percentage of the population that is aged 20-24 across U.S. states.