When I first began to write finished intelligence, it frustrated me when editors recommended revisions that included hedge words, also known as words of estimative probability (likely, possibly, probably, the facts appear to be consistent with, and others). I did a thorough job on my products and the language I chose reflected my confidence. IContinue reading “Hedge Words: Leaving Room For The Unexpected”
Category Archives: Base Knowledge
Data Sources and Focus Of Intelligence Analysts
Data sources for intelligence analysts may come from within their home agencies, compiled in support of their agency’s mission, or else from external sources, such as from datasets compiled by government and private entities. There is a function in analysis for projecting uncertain futures, however, the role of the intelligence analyst is most often toContinue reading “Data Sources and Focus Of Intelligence Analysts”
How To Write An Intelligence Question
Revised 29 January 2022 A good intelligence question leads naturally to an analytical thesis. It is distinguished from a research question in that a research question elicits facts; an intelligence question elicits analysis. The answer to an intelligence question offers a “what” and a “so what.” The “what” is a factual statement that might deriveContinue reading “How To Write An Intelligence Question”