What is analysis:
By analysis, we mean the close and detailed examination of a subject to know its nature, its characteristics, its state and the factors that intervene in all this.
The word analysis is formed from the Greek prefix Ana , meaning ‘from the bottom up’ or ‘entirely’; from the verb lyein meaning ‘discard’ and suffix -sister , meaning ‘action’.
Therefore, it will be the action of completely unraveling the meaning of an element under study.
It is also considered an intelligence competence, capable of recording and processing information to find solutions.
The word has application in all areas of life. Expressions such as political, historical , medical or blood are common. This shows that everything can be analyzed.
Each type of analysis is dedicated to the careful study of specific phenomena, not only in terms of the characteristics that define them, but also in terms of the causes and consequences related to them.
Types of analysis
There are different types according to the methodologies or objectives to be studied. Among them, we can mention the following examples:
Quantitative analysis
It refers to all analyzes that start from the study of objects or situations through the interpretation of figures. These numbers can express quantity, volume, proportion, weight, etc. This type of analysis is very common, for example, in statistical studies.
Qualitative analysis
It refers to studies that examine phenomena from their qualitative properties, that is, from their qualities or characteristics and modes of behavior. It is often applied in humanistic research.
Theoretical analysis
It is dedicated to the systematic study of theories and concepts, in themselves or applied to a specific object of study. It can have several purposes, depending on the case.
For example, demonstrating the effectiveness of the theoretical model, providing tools for the interpretation of a phenomenon or justifying the observations made on the issues studied.
Formal analysis
It refers to all analyzes that study shapes in detail, understanding not only their characteristics, but also their origin and context. For example, iconography.
Structural analysis
It is the one that takes as a point of study the structure of an object and the articulation between its parts. It can be used in areas as diverse as seismology, architecture, narratology, etc.
Experimental analysis
It is a method of analysis that applies experiments and then studies the results comparatively to reach certain conclusions. Experimental analysis is often applied in science.
exhaustive analysis
This type crosses all possible variables to understand phenomena within a complex context or as complex phenomena themselves.
Difference between analysis and description
A description generates a record of the state of a problem without addressing the causes, consequences, or the complexity of its process.
On the contrary, analysis studies the ultimate reasons that caused a given circumstance and projects its behavior into the future. The analysis can start from a description or include it, but it certainly transcends it.
