Analytical skill is the ability to visualize, articulate, and solve complex problems and concepts, and make decisions that make sense based on available information. Such skills include demonstration of the ability to apply logical thinking to gathering and analyzing information, designing and testing solutions to problems, and formulating plans.
To test for analytical skills one might be asked to look for inconsistencies in an advertisement, put a series of events in the proper order, or critically read an essay. Usually standardized tests and interviews include an analytical section that requires the examiner to use their logic to pick apart a problem and come up with a solution.
Although there is no question that analytical skills are essential, other skills are equally required as well. For instance in systems analysis the systems analyst should focus on four sets of analytical skills: systems thinking, organizational knowledge, problem identification, and problem analyzing and solving. It also includes the way we describe a problem and subsequently finding out the solutions.
How To Develop Your Analytical Skill??
Learning How To Question
Everybody knows how to question. It is part of what makes us human – we meet new people and ask them where they come from, what they do for a job, whether they are married. However, as your studies progress you will find that you need to think more deeply about how you question and the type of questions that you ask.
Being able to ask the right questions is fundamental to your studies, not just when you conduct your own piece of research, but when you listen to lectures, read books and talk to other students. If you do not develop questions you will not be able to reflect on what you are learning, query the arguments of others or develop your own ideas.
Critiquing And Reviewing
On some courses you will be required to critique and review the work of others. Some adults feel uncomfortable with this, believing they are ‘not clever enough’ or ‘too inexperienced’ to do this. However, this is not the case – from a very early age we learn how to critique and review, especially from books, television and newspapers or magazines.
Critiquing and reviewing the academic work of others is similar to this – we read the text, think about what we have read, ask questions and then form our own opinions about the content. If you are concerned about carrying out your own critique, break down the task into a series of steps which will help you to make the task seem more manageable.
Solving Problems
A problem exists when you are curious, puzzled, confused or not sure how to resolve an issue. Throughout your course you should encounter a series of these types of problems that have to be solved.
Becoming A Reflective Learner
Reflective thought involves the ability to acquire facts, understand ideas and arguments, apply methodological principles, analyse and evaluate information and produce conclusions. It includes the ability to question and solve problems by linking your previous ideas, knowledge and experiences with present ideas, knowledge and experiences. Becoming a reflective learner is a skill that is cultivated over time – you will get better as your course progresses.
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