- Asking the right questions
- Searching the best sources
- Evaluating and interpreting your findings
- Drawing conclusions and making recommendations
Typical Analytical Problems
- Casual Analysis: "Why Does X Happen?"
- Comparative Analysis: "Is X or Y Better for Our Purpose?"
- Feasibility Analysis: "Is This a Good Idead?"
- Combining Types of Analysis
Elements of a Usable Analysis
- Clearly Identified Problem or Goal
- Adequate but Not Excessive Data
- Accurate and Balance Data
- Fully Interpreted Data
- Subordination of Persona Bias
- Appropriate Visuals
- Valid Conclusions and Recommendations
- Self-Assessment
An Outline and Model for Analytical Reports
- Introduction
- Collected Data
- Conclusion
- Supplements
Guidelines for Reasoning through an Analytical Problem
- Casual Analysis
- Be sure the cause fits the effect
- Make the links between effect and cause clear
- Clearly distinguish between possible, probable, and definite causes
- Comparative Analysis
- Rest the comparison on clear definite criteria: costs, uses, benefits/drawbacks, appearance, or results
- Give each item balanced treatment
- Support and clarify the comparison or contrast through credible examples
- Follow either a block pattern or point-by-point pattern
- Order your points for greatest emphasis
- In an evaluative comparison ("X is better than Y"), offer your final judgment
- Feasibility Analysis
- Consider the strength of supporting reasons
- Consider the strength of opposing reasons
- Recommend a realistic course of action
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