How to learn how to analyze information?

Find information

At the disposal of those who are looking for information, there are many resources: various sites, databases, social networks, author's blogs, data from official media, the results of scientific research. The search scheme can be built according to the "Pareto principle". First of all, it is necessary to determine what kind of information needs to be obtained or, in other words, to put a hypothesis. After that, choose the most suitable search channels and get down to business - to test the hypothesis put forward in practice.

If information is obtained from sources that are freely available, then this method of data collection is considered lean. It does not imply time and financial costs, unlike the method when they turn to primary sources. Another popular way to get the necessary information is to interview experts. But in this case, you need to prepare well. The least you need to do is make a plan for the future conversation.

When you have received information, it should be summarized and "packaged" in an easy-to-analyze form. It is best to consolidate all data into a single file. The best option is to present the information in the form of a table.

Analysis of information

To properly analyze the information at your disposal, it is important to be able to structure the information obtained and keep in mind all the time why you are doing it. The ability to analyze can be learned. Such a skill is useful not only in work, but also in everyday life.

The entire process of information analysis can be laid out on the shelves, performing operations sequentially. The main purpose of the analysis is to disassemble the information obtained into components, reduce uncertainty, and then study, systematize the data and generate knowledge not only in order to solve the problems of the company, but also to participate in the process of forming collective knowledge.

In fact, analysis is a method that allows you to dissect a large amount of information into small elements, as well as study each component separately.

A good analyst should have certain skills:

• collect the necessary data;
• work with large information arrays;
• divide information into smaller components;
• Compare data.
• seek interdependencies;
• evaluate information;
• consistently express thoughts;
• work with facts;
• to separate the main from the secondary;
• if necessary, question the information;
• look for alternatives;
• draw conclusions.

Like any other skill, the skill of analyzing information can be trained. At first, it will be enough to perform one simple exercise related to working with the text. You need to read a small text of 1-2 paragraphs and choose the main part. Another good exercise would be solving math problems from the school curriculum: solving problems in the exact sciences always begins with an analysis of what is "given", so it is analysis that is the key to finding the answer.

There are a few more simple and affordable ways to train analytical skills. You can:

• solve scanwords and crosswords;
• engage in a game of chess, as well as modeling life situations;
• read detective stories;
• participate in discussions on various topics;
• keep a diary.

What do you get in the end? A person with good analytical skills makes thoughtful and balanced decisions. He has the skill of planning and forecasting, which allows him to foresee the results of his activities.

Providing the results of the analysis

It is good if you make a visual presentation of the work done. And for this you need to master one useful tool - the "Minto pyramid". The principle is as follows: you group individual ideas into blocks that allow you to reveal the main idea. You start with a key problem, move on to the supporting arguments, and end with the details.

In today's world, it is important to be able not only to find the necessary information, but also to process it. If you want to succeed, it's important to develop skills such as summarizing, organizing, and most importantly, analyzing the information at your disposal.