Handbook of Scientific Methods of Inquiry for Intelligence Analysis (Security and Professional Intelligence Education Series)

Hank Prunckun has written an outstanding reference that will certainly be of interest and value to any intelligence analyst. While having some of the format of a textbook, the "Handbook of Scientific Methods of Inquiry for Intelligence Analysis" is also easily read as a general reference.The book teaches data collection techniques such as brainstorming, the 6-3-5 method, devil's advocate, mind mapping, and affinity diagrams. We also are provided with clear explanations of basic statistical analyses such as univariate analysis, calculating percent of change, per capita calculations, chi-square, and scatter plots. Advanced analytic techniques introduce SWOT, PEST, and Pareto analysis. And, of course the standard techniques of association matrix, link analysis, and timelines are covered.If you are new to intelligence analysis this book will introduce you to a wide array of analytical techniques. If you are a seasoned intelligence analyst with many years of experience you will probably still find a few new ideas and ways to apply analytic techniques.I enjoyed reading the "Handbook of Scientific Methods of Inquiry for Intelligence Analysis" and continue to use it to learn and develop new analytic techniques. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in intelligence analysis.The table of contents for the book follows:1. The Fundamentals of Intelligence2. The Intelligence Research Process3. Scientific Methods in Intelligence Research4. Approaches to Intelligence Research5. Unobtrusive Data Collection6. Covert Sources of Information7. Data Collection Techniques8. Basic Statistical Analyses9. Presenting Statistical Results10. Advanced Analytic Techniques11. Analytic Techniques for Counterterrorism12. Presenting Spatial Data13. The Intelligence Research Report14. Ethical Considerations in Intelligence Research15. Document and Personnel Security

Book is great! Service was even better!!!!!

When I read this book I was really hoping it would feel like a refresher but at the same time I would also learn something new. That was not really the case at all. I am not going to say this book is a bad book but it was not what I expected at all. A lot of the topics covered were either not covered in great detail or the examples were not that good. I honestly think a book could be written on the chapter that included Advanced Analytical Techniques. And in other places it made a lot inferences based on info that was not included in the book. I also was only expecting to read about national security/military intelligence not business Intel etc. All in all there are some universal definitions I will use from the book but that is about it.

This book is a very useful guide on how to use analytical tools in criminal intelligence work. It is very useful if your are a stats nerd,

On the whole it is well written and presents the subject very well.