Reasoning for Intelligence Analysts: A Multidimensional Approach of Traits, Techniques, and Targets

Security and Professional Intelligence Education Series

by Noel Hendrickson

The goal of Reasoning for Intelligence Analysts is to address the three distinct dimensions of an analyst's thinking: the person of the analyst (their traits), the processes they use (their techniques), and the problems they face (their targets). Based on a decade of academic research and university teaching in a program for aspiring intelligence analysts, this multidimensional approach will help the reader move beyond the traditional boundaries of accumulating knowledge or critical thinking with techniques to assess the unique targets of reasoning in the information age. This approach is not just a set of techniques, but covers all elements of reasoning by discussing the personal, procedural, and problem-specific aspects. It also addresses key challenges, such as uncertain data, irrelevant or misleading information, indeterminate outcomes, and significance for clients through an extensive examination of hypothesis development, causal analysis, futures exploration, and strategy assessment. Both critical and creative thinking, which are essential to reasoning in intelligence, are integrated throughout. Structured around independently readable chapters, this text offers a systematic approach to reasoning a long with an extensive toolkit that will serve the needs of both students and intelligence professionals.

356 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2018

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting variations on existing techniques, such as Backcasting. While it's not revolutionary, it could be very helpful for those with a philosophy/formal logic background trying to envision what intelligence analysis means. It also lays things out well, starting with the basics and advancing to fairly sophisticated methods. Complements core texts by authors like Heuer and Pherson well.