Basic Analytic Tools and Techniques Workshop

By applying the analytic tools and techniques taught in this workshop, students can add more rigor and structure to their analysis and gain hands-on knowledge of a set of basic thinking tools that will reduce time spent in coordination and significantly increase the persuasiveness of their final product.

Length:

3 days

Who should take this course?

New analysts eager to learn the core analytic thinking techniques used across the Intelligence Community.

Cost:

Description:

This workshop introduces analysts to basic principles of structured intelligence analysis. Using numerous hands-on exercises, students are presented with specific techniques to help them overcome mindsets, organize information, establish different ways of thinking about evidence, and develop effective lines of argument. By working mostly in small groups, students can practice using the techniques, share insights, compare how their organizations approach issues differently, and build peer-to-peer networks in other Intelligence Community organizations. Concepts introduced in this workshop are:

• What is Analysis and how do we get from data to wisdom?
• How to use frameworks, matrices, timelines, and chronologies to organize and understand data.
• Why are we so quick to fall into mindsets and why are they so hard to overcome?
• What is the value of generating multiple hypotheses, and why is the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses such a powerful tool?
• What other basic tools (Key Assumptions Check, Indicators, Brainstorming, Red Cell Analysis) should be integrated into my personal toolkit?
• How can you make these tools and techniques part of your regular analytical routine?

Agenda:

Day 1
Goals, Objectives, and Introductions
Introduction to Analysis
Analytic Frameworks and Mental Maps
Force Field Exercise
Graphical Representations and Matrices
9-Cell Matrix Exercise
Chronologies and Timelines
Luna Timeline Exercise
Social Networks Analysis and Exercise

Day 2

Analytic Traps and Mindsets
Simple Techniques for Overcoming Mindsets
Terror in Tokyo Case Study
Wen Ho Lee Exercise

Day 3

Challenge Techniques
Introduction to the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH)
Jonathan Luna Case Study: Using the ACH Tool
Indicators
Matching the Technique to the Task/Timeline for Using the Tools
Making Use of the Tools in Your Office
Wrap-Up: Key Insights Gleaned

If you're interested in future runnings of a course,
please send an email to courseregistration@pherson.org
to request information or call 703-390-9903.