Formal Analytical Reports Ch 24

Analytical reports To answer questions: 1. What are the issues? 2. What are the conclusions we have? 3. What should we do?

purpose To evaluate a situation, practice or product Search for the best possible answers To interpret the findings after thorough research Making recommendations

Analytical problems Causal ◦ Answers questions  Why do so many healthy people suffer heart attacks? Comparative ◦ Compares  Which type of security program is best? Feasibility ◦ Assess practicality  Should young children be forced to exercise?

Causal analytical report 1. Make sure that the cause and effect are in sync 2. Make sure that the connections are clear 3. Distinguish between, possible, probable and definite causes

Comparative analytical report Comparison must be clear Give each subtopic equal discussion area Support and clarify each comparison / contrast Follow either a block or point-by-point pattern

Feasability analytical report Consider the supporting reasons ◦ Choose best reasons of support Consider the opposing reasons ◦ Don’t downplay opposing reasons Recommendations ◦ What is the best course of action

Elements of an analytical report Clearly identify the problem or goal ◦ My goal is to examine and evaluate… Accurate and Balanced Data ◦ Use all the information you research to present the information Adequate Data ◦ Not excessive pieces of information  Don’t use superficial information, give enough of it

recommendations Consider all the details involved ◦ Who, what, when, how Locate the weak spots ◦ Is it clear or hard to follow? ◦ Is it confusing? Dangerous? ◦ Cost ◦ What could go wrong  Make Improvements  Can I change anything?  Are there other alternatives?  Should I get feedback?  Will there be any objections?

Outline for analytical report Introduction ◦ Define / Describe - Engages, orients the reader to the subject by using background information  Body  Explain / Describe your findings – present clear detail of the evidence, interpretation, reasoning  Conclusion  Summarize, interpret the data and recommend solutions