Analytical Skills

Objective

To help investigators to hone their skills in

• Analysing and understanding a case made by someone else and
• Preparing a case of their own that is both closely reasoned and persuasive

By the end of the programme, you will have developed your skills in

• Identifying an argument and how to distinguish it from other persuasive techniques
• Analysing simple arguments to identify reasons and conclusions
• Analysing more complex arguments to identify intermediate conclusions, to assess the sufficiency of evidence and the completeness of analogies
• Identifying the strengths and the weaknesses of an argument – and taking appropriate action
• Assessing the credibility of evidence

 And you will have

• Practised these skills using two types of example – those from the world at large and those from the work of the Ombudsman 

Style of the workshop

This workshop is tailored for you and your team. There will be input from your course leader, but most of our time together will be spent working together on practical activities that will increase your confidence and efficiency at work. 

As we go along, there will be time for you to reflect on what you need to learn next about analytical thinking and to write an action plan.

The programme

 Day 1

 Introduction and introductions

Analysing simple arguments

• What is an argument? 
• How is it different from other means of persuasion?
• Identifying reasons and conclusions

Skills practice

Break

Analysing more complex arguments

• Identifying the structure of an argument
• Assumptions, intermediate conclusions and other hidden elements
• Filling gaps in reasoning
• Using analogies

Skills practice

Lunch

Finding the strengths in an argument

• Building certainty
• Increasing probability
• Making the conclusion follow

Skills practice

Break

Exploring the weaknesses in an argument

• Necessary and sufficient conditions
• Alternative explanations
• Flawed assumptions
• Confusing causes and consequences

Skills practice

Close of Day 1

 Day 2

Review of Day 1

Assessing the credibility of evidence

• Separating facts from judgement
• Identifying motives
• Checking for corroboration
• Judging expertise
• Identifying vested interests
• Making assumptions explicit
• Coming to a judgement

 Skills practice

Feedback and close