What is Intelligence Analysis – Is it an Art or a Science?
It’s really cool actually, it is BOTH. When reviewing all of the various data points that are available to analysts these days, there is a very real desire to just look at it in a scientific highly logical way. There is nothing wrong with that mentality, in fact, it actually is the most essential thing an analyst can do with so much information flying at them constantly. BUT, there has to be more applied under the hood of said analyst in order to get after the more difficult problems. Data is cut and dry, 1s and 0s, but making sense of it all truly is an art, looking at the different angles, applying different processes and putting things together. It really is awesome.
What are the greatest obstacles to good analysis?
Most of the time it is going to be the analyst themselves. Most people do not understand or know their own limitations. Some topics of understanding or research are just not going to be a good fit for all analysts, and that’s perfectly fine. Some analysts are not going to understand certain methodologies as well as other methodologies and this can create an issue for that person to comprehend everything.
What’s an effective analytical mindset?
In order to be effective at anything analytical you must first be able to observe, interpret, and process information in a way that can result in answers to difficult problems. Being open minded, understanding your personal biases, beliefs, and limitations are vital to having an appropriate mindset.
What is Critical Thinking?
It is the intellectually disciplined process of actively conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and then evaluating information which is gathered from or generated by observation, experience, reflection, reasoning or communication. It involves but not limited to questioning assumptions, discerning hidden biases, evaluating the evidence, and making reasonable thought out judgements. It is vital for problem solving and evaluating information to make informed decisions.
Mental Models – What the heck are they and why do I care?
Easiest way to describe a Mental Model is that they are frameworks that we use to interpret the world around us. They are personal in nature, shaped by our own experiences, helping us navigate problems. The different models available allow us to approach different scenarios using our specific strengths and weaknesses to our advantage in order to come to a proper understanding of everything going on.
Mental models are valuable tools to enable the navigation of day-to-day complex issues.