Scientific Methods of Inquiry for Intelligence Analysis

by Hank Prunckun

Since 9/11, the needs of intelligence agencies as well as the missions they conduct have increased in number, size, and complexity. As such, government and private security agencies are recruiting staff to analyze the vast amount of data collected in these missions. This textbook offers a way of gaining the analytic skills essential to undertake intelligence work. It acquaints students and analysts with how intelligence fits into the larger research framework. It covers not only the essentials of applied research, but also the function, structure, and operational methods specifically involved in intelligence work. It looks at how analysts work with classified information in a security conscious environment as well as obtain data via covert methods. Students are left with little doubt about what intelligence is and how it is developed using scientific methods of inquiry.This revised edition of the popular text has been expanded and updated significantly.

385 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[James West · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very handy book. Covers many subjects I have not seen in other texts. Three chapters I particularly liked were "Target Profiles," Tactical Assessments," and "Vehicle Route Analysis." This book goes well beyond what was presented in the first edition (which I found very good too) by elaborating on methods as well as updating and adding new material. A good reference book.

[Darryl J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful information. Logically arranged. Good diagrams.

[Carter F Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A excellent reader for seasoned analyst and professional looking for a place to start. This breaks down the intelligence process for both practitioners and scholars, and is useful for all levels of understanding. I’ve adopted it for use in a grad level Intelliegence course.

[Melanie Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a textbook in a research methods class. The book provided lots of information that was relevant to the course and provided additional sources.

[Nora Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and informative.

[Rachael Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very best book on intelligence analytics.

[Sam Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has become my number one reference book.

[Glen E. Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted to read this for a while and so pleased I bought it.