This workshop equips participants with research techniques tailored to the unique demands and constraints of intelligence analysis. By introducing a structured research process, the course provides a framework to organize and direct analytical efforts. Participants will learn to apply structured research processes in order to produce clear, well-supported and actionable intelligence products that are aligned with ICD and agency standards. The course covers an assortment of structured research methods.

The methods covered include how to create and execute a detailed research plan, beginning with the formulation of effective research prompts to properly scope the effort and avoid "mission creep." Participants will also learn to adapt research plans and outputs to meet the specific needs of different intelligence consumers. The course details the practical "how" and "where" of research, covering techniques for tracking findings, identifying information gaps, and finding appropriate sources for a given problem set. Participants will learn to apply organizational techniques like concept mapping and qualitative data sorting to reveal new perspectives. Finally, they will understand how to critically evaluate evidence utilizing methodologies for assessing source credibility and mitigating common analytic pitfalls.