Synopsis
Critical Thinking for Strategic Analysis is organized around twenty key questions that all analysts should ask as they prepare to conduct research, draft papers, and present their analysis. We divided the twenty questions into four groups, focusing on the four stages of generating an analytic product: 1. How do I get started?
2. Where is the information I need?
3. What is my argument?
4. How do I convey my message most effectively?
We have long contended that the best way to learn is by doing. In writing this book, we choose to practice what we preach by including a set of case studies that the reader can use to reinforce understanding of the key points in the book. The case studies focus on a wide range of topics, covering political, economic, military, cyber, and health-related issues. At the end of each chapter, we provide a set of questions instructors and students can use to test whether the key teaching points have been absorbed. Throughout the book, feature boxes will alert you to the need to stop and reflect, and identify what structured analytic techniques best support the activities discussed in that chapter. We also include some of our favorite quotations and a robust set of graphics and text boxes to illustrate key points. The back cover of the book includes a foldout graphic, the Analyst's Roadmap, that captures on one page key points made in the book.
The answers to the questions found at the end of each chapter are contained in a set of instructor materials that are free as a downloadable PDF to all instructors as well as government and private sector analysts who purchase the book. The graphics contained are also available to instructors and government and private sector analysts as free, downloadable JPEG and PowerPoint slides. You can register to obtain these instructor materials at college.cqpress.com/sites/intel-resources/.
About the Author
Randolph H. Pherson, teaches critical thinking skills and advanced analytic techniques to analysts in the intelligence, homeland security, and law enforcement communities as well as in the private sector. Mr. Pherson completed a 28-year career in the Intelligence Community in 2000, last serving as National Intelligence Officer (NIO) for Latin America. Previously, at the CIA, Mr. Pherson managed the production of intelligence analysis on topics ranging from global instability to Latin America, served on the Inspector General's staff, and developed and implemented a strategic planning process for the CIA. Mr. Pherson is the recipient of both the Distinguished Intelligence Medal for his service as NIO for Latin America and the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal. Mr. Pherson received his A.B. from Dartmouth College and an M.A. in International Relations from Yale University.
Katherine Hibbs Pherson, teaches and advises on the use of critical thinking skills and structured analytic techniques to intelligence and Homeland Security analysts. Ms. Pherson completed a 27-year career at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in intelligence and security analysis and resource management in 2000. Her leadership in the security arena led to the adoption of a risk management methodology, the strengthening and the implementation of overseas security countermeasures, and improvements in dealing with unsolicited contacts. As head of the Director of Central Intelligence's Center for Security Evaluation, she managed the Intelligence Community's involvement in rebuilding the penetrated U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Ms. Pherson received her A.B. in Hispanic Studies from Vassar College, an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics and Latin American Studies from the University of Illinois, and an M.A. in Communications from the University of Oklahoma. She is a recipient of the CIA's Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal and the Intelligence Community's National Distinguished Service Medal.
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