Midterm

An appropriate framework helps the reader approach and interpret your information in the same way that you do.Principle 7 Framing Knowledge1High-context: One who has been quite involved with the subject or project

Low-context: One who has little previous involvement and less familiarityRelationship with the Audience2Missing the framing information: Focus on detail without providing any context. Providing inappropriate framing information: Confuse the readers attention or create inappropriate expectations.Offering detail that masquerades as frame:A sentence or paragraph loaded with detail, much of it irrelevant.

Problems Related to Framing3Common frames include:Purpose statementsDefinitions Enumerations

Missing Framing Information4Inappropriate frames directs the audiences attention on something other than the real point of the paragraphThe frame and the paragraph must fit together logicallyExample: page 97Inappropriate FramingThe pencil sharpener will only turn on when the cover is in place. When the cover is in the right position it pushes in a small plastic piece that connects the circuit. The other requirement to complete the circuit is a pencil must be pushed through the hole in the sharpener. When this occurs, the pencil pushes a bell-shaped copper contact open so that the circuit is complete and the sharpening blade can turn.

5Revised Notes:Appropriate frame focuses the readers attentionFrame is in the form of a topic sentence Principle of enumeration

Example: page 97Inappropriate FramingTwo design decisions ensure that the pencil sharpener operates safely. First, the pencil sharpener will only turn on when the cover is in place. When the cover is in the right position it pushes in a small plastic piece that connects the circuit. Second, to complete the circuit, a pencil must be pushed through the hole in the sharpener. When this occurs, the pencil pushes a bell-shaped copper contact open so that the circuit is complete and the sharpening blade can turn.

6When writers insert information they think provides context, but because of its detail, it fails to provide a clear focusExample: page 99Detail Masquerading FrameThe crane in question is one of three used to empty crucibles into the casthouse furnaces. Two of the cranes numbers 37712 and 37711 were manufactured by John T. Hepburn Company as 20 ton cranes in 1968. These cranes were upgraded to 25 tons in 1984 and a third crane was purchased at the time number 37720. 7Notes: Gives a great deal of information BUT leaves the central question unanswered: which crane failed?

Detail Masquerading FrameThe failing crane (37712) is one of three used to empty crucibles into the casthouse furnaces. It and another (37711) were manufactured by John T. Hepburn Company as 20 ton cranes in 1968 but upgraded to handle 25 tons in 1984. The third cranes (37720), purchased at the time of the upgrades, was built to carry 25 tons. 8#1 Generating the Frame in Terms of Audience Needs

Shift from the writers to the audiences needFore-framing: putting it first and explaining it laterMove from what you already know to what your audience needs to knowA task for revision

Implementing Framing9#2 Placing the Frame

Place the framing information in orientation locationsPower Position: the beginning of a document, section, or paragraph

Implementing Framing10#3 Check all orientation locations

Check all orientation locations to ensure you have put in framing where you should have

Implementing Framing11Formal Analytical Report12Analytical ReportsWhat data, observations, ideas, and background information can we gather about the topic discussed in this report? What inferences can we draw about the individual data?What bottom-line conclusions can we draw?What recommendations stem from our conclusions?

13Types of AnalysisEvaluate

Recommend

Identify

Assess feasibilityhttp://www.discoverme.com.au/News/NewSEOSiteAnalysisService.aspx

14ResponsibilitiesMake the reports purpose clearUse an appropriate structure for that purposeExamine the topic at an appropriate level, and use appropriate languageEnsure that the report is readable, by evaluating it objectivelyWrite ethicallyForcefully make pointsMake the report professional and error-free15Typical Analytical ProblemsWill X Work for a Specific Purpose?Answer practical questionsSequence: questions-answers-conclusions Include recommendations based on your conclusions

Has X Worked as Well as Expected?Use a series of evaluation criteria to assess the performance or value of equipment, facilities, or programsApply those criteria after a decision has been made

16Typical Analytical ProblemsIs X or Y Better for a Specific Purpose?Analysis is essential in comparing machines, processes, business locations, computer systems, or the likeSequence: questions-answers-conclusions Designed to help the reader make a choice

Why Does X Happen?Analysis follows a problem-causes-solution sequenceAnalysis follows this sequence:Identify the problemExamine possible and probably causes, and isolate definite ones.Recommend solutions.

17Typical Analytical ProblemsHow Can X Be Improved or Avoided?Focuses on desired results and recommends methods of achieving these resultsIdentifies causes of a problem or components of a desired resultPresents possible solutions and uses a consistent set of criteria to evaluate each solution in turnRecommends which solution or combination of solutions to implement

18Typical Analytical ProblemsWhat Are the Effects of X?Analysis of the consequences of an event or actionPredicts an effectSequence: action-probable effects-conclusions and recommendations

Is X Practical in This Situation?Assesses the practicality of an idea or planPresents reasons for-reasons against, with both sides supported by evidence

19Elements of AnalysisClearly Identified Problem or QuestionDefine your purpose by condensing your approach to a basic question. Restate the question as a declarative sentence in your statement of purpose.

Subordination of Personal BiasInterpret evidence impartially.Stick to your evidence.

20Elements of Analysis Cont.Accurate and Adequate DataDo not distort the original data by excluding vital points. Of all six brands tested, the Bomarc chainsaw proved easiest to operate. It also had the fewest safety features, however.

Fully Interpreted DataExplain the significance of your data.Interpretation is the heart of the analytical report. Our cutting crews often work suspended by harness, high above the ground. Also, much work is in remote areas. Safety features therefore should be our first requirement in a chainsaw. Despite its ease of operation, the Bomarc saw does not meet out safety needs.

21Elements of Analysis Cont.Valid Conclusions and RecommendationsThe goal of analysis is to reach a valid conclusion.Conclusions are valid when they are logically derived from accurate interpretation. Recommendations are valid when they propose an appropriate response to the problem or question. Express them with assurance and authority!

22Elements of Analysis Cont.Clear and Careful ReasoningEach stage of your analysis requires decisions about what to record, what to exclude, and where to go next. Remain flexible enough to revise your thinking if contradictory new evidence appears.

Appropriate VisualsUse visuals generouslyGraphs: analysis of trendsTables, charts, photographs, diagrams: comparative analyses

23General ModelIssue to be examined or overall questions to be answeredSeries of supporting questions, which lead to the bottom-line answerIssue or question is settled in reports conclusion sectionhttp://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/02252/conc.htm

24Parts of a Formal ReportFront MatterBodyBack MatterTransmittal Letter (13)Cover (14)Title Page (8)Introduction (3)Sources Cited (6)Summary (4)Central Sections (1)Consulted (7)Table of Contents (12)Conclusion (2)List of Illustrations (11)Recommendation (2)Glossary (9)List of Symbols (9)Acknowledgments (10)Appendices (5)25Formal Report - IntroductionIntroductionIdentify the reports analytical purposePreview how that purpose will be achievedIndirectly set the tone of the reportMay require some of all of the following elements:The context, situation, or problem prompting this report (background)Type of data on which the report is based and the type of sourceOther pertinent theoretical or background informationUseful illustrations

26Formal Report Body SectionsBody SectionsSome reports need just one central section. Other reports may need several central sections. Analytical criteria presented in the introduction forms logical structures in the reports main body.Use clear, informative headings.27Formal Report - ConclusionConclusionAnswers the questions that sparked the analysis in the first placeSummarize, interpret, and recommendSummary must reflect the body of the report and bottom-line conclusions must be based on information, ideas, and analysis Interpretation must be consistent with the findings in your summary (honest and objective) Recommendations must be consistent with the purpose of the report, the evidence presented, and the interpretations given

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