Technical Reports: Basic Types
As noted in the introduction, there are three basic types of technical reports.
Causal Analysis
The causal analysis answers the question Why does X Happen?
It is designed to identify a problem and attack it at the source. It can progress (in terms of organization) from cause to effect or from effect to cause.
One example of a multi-part question that could be covered by a causal analysis is Why do so many students drop out after the first semester of college and what can we do to prevent it?
A causal analysis uses this basic organizational pattern:
- Identify the problem to be solved
- Examine possible causes of the problem
- Recommend solutions to the problem
Comparative Analysis
A comparative analysis or recommendation report answers the question Is X or Y Better for Our Purpose?
It is designed to rank/study the merits of competing items using specific criteria. You might find it answering a question like Which type of security program should we install on our department’s computer system?
This type of report uses this basic organizational plan:
- Identify the problem to be solved
- Suggest and discuss possible solutions
- Focus on and discuss the best possible solution
- Recommend what the reader should do to make the solution a reality and solve the problem
Feasibility Analysis
The feasibility analysis answers the question Is this project, plan, or concept a good idea?
It is designed to assess the feasibility of a plan, idea, or project. A question that might be asked and answered in a feasibility report is Will the loss of classroom space, interactivity between faculty and students, and computer lab space justify the moving of the English Department to Tanner Hall?
A feasibility report uses this basic organizational plan:
- Consider strength of all supporting reasons*
- Consider the strength of all opposing reasons*
- Weigh the pros and cons of all reasons
- Recommend a course of action
*These two might be reversed in order depending upon whether the report supports or opposes the project. If it is supportive, it will cover the cons first, then pros; if in opposition, the reverse.
In the real world, the report you produce could be a combination of the three types, depending upon what you are asked to study. For example, if you work at Lawson Community College and have to prepare a report that studies the advantages of the Biology Department moving to Marcus Hall, you might create one that combines the features of a feasibility analysis with those of a comparative analysis by comparing Smythe Hall (the department’s current home) with Marcus Hall and then recommending which of the two buildings offers the best options.