What is an analysis?

We explain what an analysis is, the types that exist and what each one consists of. In addition, some examples of this observation process.

1. What is an analysis?

The meaning of the word analysis  is noted by observing the origin of it, dating back to the Greek  analysi s , consisting  ana  ( “up” or “completely”) and  lisys  ( “dissolution”, “break”) analysis is observe something entirely dissolved in its smallest components .

This dissolution is not literal, clearly, but seeks to convey an idea of ​​exhaustive, thorough review, whether of an object, topic or thematic, considering even the smallest of its details.

The capacity of analysis of the human being is one of his greatest talents , which have allowed him to distinguish and check many of the rules that govern the operation of the universe , both large and small scale, and even in areas that are not possible to observe directly.

Ideally, conclusions are obtained from each analysis made, and in turn clues for future analyzes of greater depth and scope. Depending on the field of knowledge to which they belong, they may be done using specialized instruments , or through the use of mental faculties only.

2. Types of analysis

In principle, we will distinguish the following types of analysis according to their nature:

• Structural analysis . As the name implies, it focuses on the structure of the analyzed, that is, its external area, taking into account the parameters and measures that condition the result.
• Exhaustive analysis . It is the analysis methodology that breaks down or breaks down the analyzed to be able to analyze each of its components separately, with a minimum, to the whole, until the available options are exhausted.
• Formal analysis.  It refers to the review of the form, the whole, rather than the content and the particular.
• Theoretical or  conceptual analysis  . As the name implies, analysis of the fundamental or basic concepts, equivalent to a theoretical analysis.
• Experimental analysis . Just the opposite of the previous case: see to believe. An experiment is nothing more than the reproduction of a natural phenomenon in a laboratory, under controlled conditions.
• Quantitative analysis . The one who takes into account mostly (or only) the quantity, proportion , volume , etc.
• Qualitative analysis . One who takes into account quality, not quantity, that is, the nature of things, not their accumulation in categories.

3. Analysis Examples

Some possible examples of analysis are:

• Chemical analysis . Through specialized laboratory and instrumental techniques, chemical analysis proposes the understanding of matter from its elementary particles , as well as the reactions that occur or can occur between them.
• The artistic analysis . Fundamentally interpretive, artistic analysis uses great skills of subjectivity, so that it is not precisely scientific knowledge , as much as interpretive knowledge.
• Clinical analysis . In medicine, clinical tests are experiments or surveys conducted with the patient’s body to determine the source of their discomforts and remedy them, if possible.
• In discourse analysis . One of the most specialized aspects of Linguistics, systematically studies verbal language and especially oral and written discourse .
• The financial analysis . Carried out annually by companies and investment services , these are comprehensive balances of assets and money, debts and assets, to determine the general state of the organization’s finances.