Cognitive Bias in Intelligence Analysis - (Intelligence, Surveillance and Secret Warfare) by Martha Whitesmith (Paperback)

About the Book

This book critiques the reliance of Western intelligence agencies on the use of a method for intelligence analysis developed by the CIA in the 1990s, the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH).

Book Synopsis

Tests whether the analysis of competing hypotheses reduces cognitive bias, and proposes a more effective approach
Reveals that a key element of current training provided to the UK and US intelligence communities (and likely all 5-EYES and several European agencies) does not have a proven ability to mitigate cognitive biasesDemonstrates that judging the credibility of information from human sources means that intelligence analysis faces greater complexity and cognitive strain than non-intelligence analysisExplains the underlying causes cognitive biases, based on meta-analyses of existing researchShows that identifying the ideal conditions for intelligence analysis is a more effective way of reducing the risk of cognitive bias than the use of ACH

Recent high-profile intelligence failures - from 9/11 to the 2003 Iraq war - prove that cognitive bias in intelligence analysis can have catastrophic consequences. This book critiques the reliance of Western intelligence agencies on the use of a method for intelligence analysis developed by the CIA in the 1990s, the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH). The author puts ACH to the test in an experimental setting against two key cognitive biases with unique empirical research facilitated by UK's Professional Heads of Intelligence Analysis unit at the Cabinet Office, and finds that the theoretical basis of the ACH method is significantly flawed. Combining the insight of a practitioner with over 11 years of experience in intelligence with both philosophical theory and experimental research, the author proposes an alternative approach to mitigating cognitive bias that focuses on creating the optimum environment for analysis, challenging current leading theories.

From the Back Cover

Tests whether the analysis of competing hypotheses reduces cognitive bias, and proposes a more effective approach Recent high-profile intelligence failures - from 9/11 to the 2003 Iraq war - prove that cognitive bias in intelligence analysis can have catastrophic consequences. This book critiques the reliance of Western intelligence agencies on the use of a method for intelligence analysis developed by the CIA in the 1990s, the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH). The author puts ACH to the test in an experimental setting against two key cognitive biases with unique empirical research facilitated by UK's Professional Heads of Intelligence Analysis unit at the Cabinet Office, and finds that the theoretical basis of the ACH method is significantly flawed. Combining the insight of a practitioner with over 11 years of experience in intelligence with both philosophical theory and experimental research, the author proposes an alternative approach to mitigating cognitive bias that focuses on creating the optimum environment for analysis, challenging current leading theories. Key features and benefits - Reveals that a key element of current training provided to the UK and US intelligence communities (and likely all 5-EYES and several European agencies) does not have a proven ability to mitigate cognitive biases - Demonstrates that judging the credibility of information from human sources means that intelligence analysis faces greater complexity and cognitive strain than non-intelligence analysis - Explains the underlying causes cognitive biases, based on meta-analyses of existing research - Shows that identifying the ideal conditions for intelligence analysis is a more effective way of reducing the risk of cognitive bias than the use of ACH Martha Whitesmith is a Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

Review Quotes

Martha Whitesmith's book insightfully demonstrates how to improve the effectiveness of structured analysis methods by first improving the intelligence verification process.--Boris Delagenière, PhD candidate, Sorbonne University "EFRC"

As we move further into the information revolution, the importance of robust, scientific methods of critical thinking becomes ever more pressing. In this context, Martha Whitesmith's empirical analysis of the ACH technique is extremely timely and insightful, and will be of considerable significance to contemporary intelligence communities across the world.-- "Julian Richards, University of Buckingham"

Whitesmith (Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom) argues against the key assumption that we have a "fix" for cognitive biases that creep into intel analyses, causing acceptance of findings that confirm erroneous beliefs. [...] Summing Up: Recommended.--D. N. Nelson, Center for Arms Control & Nonproliferation "CHOICE"

About the Author

Martha Whitesmith is Senior Intelligence Analyst at the Ministry of Defence.