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Structured analysis techniques and OSINT, with Dr. Martha Whitesmith

Structured analysis techniques and OSINT, with Dr. Martha Whitesmith

The World of Intelligence
• 62 min
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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I speak with Dr. Martha Whitesmith, a research fellow at King's College London, about the intricacies of structured analysis techniques, specifically focusing on the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) and its relationship with open-source intelligence (OSINT). Dr. Whitesmith shares insights from her research on cognitive biases that affect intelligence analysis, revealing the surprising ineffectiveness of ACH in mitigating these biases despite its widespread use. We delve into the impact of biases like primacy and confirmation bias on decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of understanding these risks within intelligence work. This conversation highlights the need for deeper scrutiny and adaptation of analytical methods in the realm of OSINT, making it essential listening for professionals in defense and security.