However, this correlation pattern is stronger, clearer, and empirically more convincing when one uses the DLB data. As before, expanding the sample size by using the DLB data clearly eliminates much of the sampling noise in the m estimates, and brings the spatial patterns into much sharper relief. Like the spatial example above, the actual analysis that we present here is somewhat simplistic. Our objective is to provide a modest illustration of the value of DLB estimates, not to present a thorough, nuanced analysis of Brazilian fertility patterns. In this spirit, consider a municipal-level analysis of the impact of growth by evangelical Protestant churches on marital fertility in Minas Gerais.
Brazil is officially Catholic, but evangelicals are an increasing minority.
As with fertility, there are significant inter-municipal differences. It is unclear a priori whether a high percentage of evangelicals in a region should be correlated positively or negatively with fertility control. These findings support the hypothesis of a positive correlation between a municipality's fraction evangelical and its estimated m value. Once again, switching to DLB data rids the data of sample noise that obscures important patterns.