© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 1 Chapter 24 Formal Analytical Reports Analysis Technical Communication, 11 th Edition John M. Lannon

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 2 Analytical Reports  Used to address situations that require critical thinking and research to arrive at a conclusion  Often end with an action plan

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 3 Typical Analytical Problems  Causal analysis  Why does X happen?  Comparative analysis  Is X or Y better for our purpose?  Feasibility analysis  Is this a good idea?  Combinations

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 4 Guidelines for Causal Analysis  Be sure the cause fits the effect  Make the links between effect and cause clear  Clearly distinguish between possible, probable, and definite causes

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 5 Guidelines for Comparative Analysis  Rest the comparison on clear and definite criteria  Give each item balanced treatment  Support and clarify the comparison through credible examples  Follow either a block pattern or a point-by- point pattern  Order your points for greatest emphasis  In an evaluation (X is better than Y) offer final judgment based on criteria presented

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 6 Guidelines for Feasibility Analysis  Consider the strength of supporting reasons  Consider the strength of opposing reasons  Recommend a realistic course of action

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 7 Elements of a Usable Analysis  Clearly identified problem or goal  Adequate but not excessive data  Accurate and balanced data  Fully interpreted data  Subordination of personal bias  Appropriate visuals  Valid conclusions and recommendations  Self-assessment

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 8 Model for Analytical Reports Introduction  Background, purpose, method of inquiry, limitations, definitions, scope of inquiry Collected data  Topics and subtopics for investigation Conclusion  Summary, overall interpretation of findings, recommendations

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 9 Supplements Front matter  Title page  Letter of transmittal  Table of contents  List of tables and figures  Abstract End matter  Glossary (as needed)  Appendices (as needed)  Works Cited page

© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 10 Any Questions? For additional help reviewing this chapter, please visit the Companion Website for your text at