Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Chapter 24 - Formal Analytical Reports

Purpose of Analysis

  1. Asking the right questions
  2. Searching the best sources
  3. Evaluating and interpreting your findings
  4. 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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