Category Archives: Critical Thinking

Dan Rapoport: Was His Fall A Suicide Or A Homicide?

The investigation into the fatal fall of Dan Rapoport from a Washington, D.C., apartment illustrates the dilemma of data quantity versus data quality. When an analysis stalls, the solution isn’t always to hunt for more evidence; instead, try re-examining your existing data set from a fresh perspective. The death of Latvian-American investor and financier DanContinue reading “Dan Rapoport: Was His Fall A Suicide Or A Homicide?”

AUSA Jonathan Paul Luna: The Limits Of Binary Thinking

An analysis of the Jonathan Luna case found the complex explanation for his death may have contributed to case laying unresolved since 2003.

Jamie Stickle: A Team A/Team B Analysis In Action

BLUF | In cases where there is strong disagreement and the evidence appears to support divergent hypotheses, consider conducting a Team A/Team B analysis. Team A/Team B Analysis is an effective methodology when two strong, divergent explanations exist, such as here with the conflict over the manner of death of Jamie Lynn Stickle, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Continue reading “Jamie Stickle: A Team A/Team B Analysis In Action”

Diane Marie Shields: Hitting The Limit Of Available Evidence

BLUF | A key roadblock analysts face in exploring historic cases is hitting the limit of available evidence due to low media coverage. Barring the full release by law enforcement of case files, you’ve likely taken a project as far as it can go. Source statement: No formal law enforcement or government documents were foundContinue reading “Diane Marie Shields: Hitting The Limit Of Available Evidence”

Russell And Shirley Dermond: When Intelligence Gaps Impair Analysis

BLUF | There may be a point where there are simply too many intelligence gaps to conduct an analysis. In such times, you may need to work with investigators to build a stronger data set before beginning or proceeding in your work. Details On 6 May 2014, neighbors conducting a welfare check on Russell andContinue reading “Russell And Shirley Dermond: When Intelligence Gaps Impair Analysis”