Structured Analytic Techniques for Intelligence Analysis

Richards J. Heuer Jr. and Randolph H. Pherson turn a lifetime of expertise toward formalizing, adapting, and standardizing a set of 50 of the most robust analytic techniques in use in intelligence analysis today. This ready reference showcases current and cutting-edge best practices and represents a significant leap forward in depth, detail, and utility from existing handbooks.

Logically organized and richly illustrated, Structured Analytic Techniques makes it easy to navigate, reference, and put the tools to use right away. Each technique is clearly and systematically explained: when to use, value added, the method, potential pitfalls, examples of how it can be used, its relationship to other techniques, and its origins.

THE TECHNIQUES
Getting Started Checklist
Customer Checklist
Issue Redefinition
Chronologies and Timelines
Sorting
Ranking, Scoring, Prioritizing
Matrices
Network Analysis
Mind Maps and Concept Maps
Process Maps and Gantt Charts
Structured Brainstorming
Virtual Brainstorming
Nominal Group Technique
Starbursting
Cross-Impact Matrix
Morphological Analysis
Quadrant Crunching
Basic Scenario Analysis
Alternative Futures Analysis
Multiple Scenario Generation
Indicators
Indicators Validator
Simple Hypothesis
Multiple Hypotheses Generator
Quadrant Hypothesis Generation
Diagnostic Reasoning
Analysis of Competing Hypotheses
Argument Mapping
Deception Detection
Key Assumptions Check
Structured Analogies
Role Playing
Red Hat Analysis
Outside-In Thinking
Policy Outcomes Forecasting Model
Prediction Markets
Premortem Analysis
Structured Self-Critique
What If? Analysis
High Impact/Low Probability Analysis
Devil’s Advocacy
Red Team Analysis
Delphi Method
Adversarial Collaboration
Structured Debate
Complexity Manager
Decision Matrix
Force Field Analysis
Pros-Cons-Faults-and-Fixes
SWOT Analysis