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:

  1. Identify the problem to be solved
  2. Examine possible causes of the problem
  3. 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:

  1. Identify the problem to be solved
  2. Suggest and discuss possible solutions
  3. Focus on and discuss the best possible solution
  4. 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:

  1. Consider strength of all supporting reasons*
  2. Consider the strength of all opposing reasons*
  3. Weigh the pros and cons of all reasons
  4. 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.