INA 3303

Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analytical Methods

3303 Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analytical Methods (3-0). Thinking critically, analyzing and synthesizing effectively, and solving difficult problems are crucial skills in the intelligence arena. Additionally, rapid changes in technology, information sourcing, and information availability, coupled with fundamental changes in the Intelligence Community and its customers expectations, have had a significant impact on the intelligence process and the way in which analysis is conducted and disseminated. This course provides methodology and techniques in critical thinking and analysis skills meant to overcome cultural and self-imposed biases that can impact the objectivity of intelligence analysis and decision-making. Critical thinking and analysis skills are covered, to include analysis of competing hypotheses, matrix analyses, decision/event trees, weighted rankings, and utility analysis, which are designed to improve the objectivity of intelligence analysis and decision making. The course ends with a review of the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) and analyst-policymaker relationships.

Units: 3.0