Intelligence Analysis 101 workshop

Abstract

Intelligence Analysts collect, synthesize, and report on complex situations. Analysis is often complicated by high stakes, time pressure, and deception. During this workshop, you'll learn how to apply basic intelligence analysis techniques and to avoid common pitfalls. We'll then work as a group to analyze some current events using the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) technique developed by the CIA.

Full Description

The workshop will begin with a 20-25min. presentation of intelligence gathering and analysis techniques. You'll learn:

• Kinds of intelligence gathering, e.g., OSINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, etc.
• Overview of frameworks for synthesizing information/sensemaking
• Deep dive on the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) technique
• Preventing cognitive biases

Group Activity

After the introduction, we'll work as a group to analyze some current events using the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) technique. Here are some examples of analyses:

• Is Tor Currently Compromised by the US?
• Does Facebook secretly use audio from users?
• What is the relationship between WikiLeaks and Russian intelligence?

Example Board

Registration

Details TBD

Preparation

There's no prerequisites for participation.

But, to add and evaluate evidence during the activity, you'll need to complete the following steps before the workshop:

1. Create an account on Open Synthesis
2. Request access to the HOPE team

Related Reading

Intelligence Analysis

• Psychology of Intelligence Analysis, Richards J. Heuer, Jr.
• Quantitative Intelligence Analysis: Applied Analytic Models, Simulations, and Games, Edward Waltz
• Strategic Foresight: Nine Techniques for Business and Intelligence Analysis
• Thinking for Intelligence Analysis: A Guide for Practitioners, Australian Air Force

Measurement and Prediction

• How to Measure Anything: Finding the Value of Intangibles in Business, Douglas W. Hubbard

Cognitive Processes and Biases

• Mindware: Tools for Smart Thinking, Richard E. Nisbett
• The Art of Thinking Clearly, Rolf Dobelli
• Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman

Disinformation

• Verification Handbook: A definitive guide to verifying digital content for emergency coverage
• For Disinformation And Media Manipulation

About the Presenter

Todd Schiller, PhD has a decade of experience building analytics and decision support systems. He's the maintainer of Open Synthesis, an open source web application for the analysis of competing hypotheses.