Process Analysis
The following discussion has been excerpted from The Compact Reader: Short Essays by Method and
Theme, 6th ed. Ed. Jane E. Aaron. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 1999.
1. What is process analysis?
Process analysis explains how to do something (play a computer game, change a tire), how to make
something (a butterfly sanctuary), or how something happens (how the modern firehouse has evolved).
Specifically, it explains a sequence of actions with a specified result (the process) by dividing it into its
component steps (the analysis). Basically, it answers the question how something happens.
2. What is the purpose of process analysis?
The main purpose of process analysis is to explain; however, it might also prove something about the
process itself (perhaps its ease or difficulty) or evaluate it (perhaps its close parallel to guidelines issued
by an authoritative agency).
3. What varieties of process analysis are available?
Processes might include mechanical (a car engine), natural (cell division), psychological (acquisition of
sex roles), or political (the electoral process).
4. What are the two main types of process analysis?
The two main types are directive or explanatory.
A directive process tells how to do or make something: make enchiladas, repair a wagon
wheel, negotiate an argument, write an essay. It should outline the individual steps
completely so that anyone can duplicate them and achieve the specified result. It permits the
use of second-person you, concentrating on words that tell the reader what to do, or the use
of imperative (commanding) mood of verbs (“Add an egg and stir vigorously”).
An explanatory process provides the information necessary for readers to understand the
process, but more to satisfy their curiosity than to teach them how to do something. Third-
person he, she, it, and they is more common with this type process than is second-person.
5. How is a process analysis usually organized?
All process analyses usually follow a chronological sequence, especially a directive analysis, in which
order is important to the desired outcome. For both types of process analysis, however, it is often useful
to create phases or stages, which, in turn, can be divided into steps. Both phases/stages and steps
should be presented in proper sequence.
The phases or stages for changing a tire may include jacking up the car, removing the flat, putting
on the spare, and lowering the car. The steps for just one of those stages—jacking up the car—may be
setting the emergency brake, blocking the other wheels, loosening the bolts, positioning the jack, and
raising the car.
To ensure that the reader can duplicate the process or understand how it unfolds requires fully
detailing each step and specifying the reasons for it. Indeed, the process must make clear to the reader
the sequence of steps, their duration, and where they occur. Occasionally, the chronology contains
interruptions or modifications to suit it to your subject. For instance, it may require background
information, definitions of specialized terms, explanations of how one step relates to a preceding or
following step, examples, or explanations of steps that are performed simultaneously.
6. What kind of thesis is required for a process analysis?
A process analysis thesis should contain two elements: (1) the main point of the analysis and, if
possible, (2) the organizational format for exploring the main idea—in this case, process analysis. If
possible, it also previews the stages in the process.
Example: Building a table is a simple, three-stage process of cutting, assembling, and finishing.
In this example, the main point of the process is reflected in the word simple, which suggests the ease of
the process. The words cutting, assembling, and assembling obviously suggest the stages.
