Global Security and Intelligence Studies Volume 1, Number 1, Fall 2015 | Page 38

Global Security and Intelligence Studies - Volume 1, Number 1 - Fall 2015
Applying a Critical Thinking Framework to Improve
Intelligence Analysis
James Hess A & Curtis Friedel B
This study examined an intelligence analysis framework built using specific
cognitive critical thinking skills. The framework demonstrated that intelligence
analysis did improve, specifically with the novice analysts that participated,
and there was demonstrated specificity in the respondents’ analyses. A panel
of experts provided insight and content assurance that demonstrated the
intelligence analysis and products produced were valuable for use at the tactical
level. Finally, this study examined successful historical counterinsurgencies in
relation to the analytical framework utilized in order to understand how this
analysis leads to operational success.
Keywords: analysis, counterinsurgency, critical thinking, and operational
environment
Background
The intelligence community is responsible for providing competent analysis and
assessments pertaining to the many significant geopolitical situations that affect
or may potentially affect the nation’s interests. The intelligence community has
always experienced challenges living up to that charge, and while it may merely be a case
of the nature of the profession, there are always lessons to learn and processes that may
improve analytical processes. Critical thinking is a cognitive process that may be able
to provide that improvement to analytical processes; when an analytical framework is
built by applying these cognitive skills, the analytical effort may become more focused
and meaningful.
While many intelligence analysts may believe they are thinking critically about
the information they are receiving, in reality not many analysts are formally trained
in applying critical thinking skills. The critical thinking process provides a framework
for the analyst to ensure assessments are thorough and reasonably objective in nature.
Moreover, by applying a critical thinking framework to intelligence analysis, it is
possible to incorporate critical thinking into a domain-specific methodology instead of
providing instruction in critical thinking with the hope of it transferring into the analyst’s
assessments. Critical thinking in itself will not provide that perfect assessment, but it
A
Associate Professor, School of Global And Security Studies, American Military University.
B
Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education, Virginia
Tech.
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