This assignment is a research paper of 8-10 pages including research and analysis designed to test knowledge and assimilation of the course objectives. It focuses on the strengths and limitations of the various analytical techniques. The use of required texts and readings from this course is mandatory. In this assignment, you will show that you understand and are able to evaluate the coursework.
Address the following question. Be sure to use at least 6 sources to support your argument and use the proper citation format. In reviewing course materials for your paper, be sure to consider the videos as well the readings.
Evaluate the effectiveness of analytical techniques by assessing which of the techniques would be most useful in analyzing a particularly intelligence issue. First, select an intelligence issue and develop a research question to analyze. Then, examine how effective each of the following techniques would be in analyzing your topic:
Predictive Analytical Techniques - Delphi and Red Teaming
Other Analytical Techniques - Content Analysis, Comparative Analysis, and Rational Choice Theory
Then, through assessing each technique, you will select one technique from each category that will be most beneficial in analyzing your issue. You will then analyze the issue using ONE of the techniques you deemed most useful. NOTE: you do not need to analyze the topic using every technique, only the ONE you choose.
Outline for your paper
I. Introduction of Topic (1 page)
Explain the intelligence issue
State your research question (what you are attempting to answer)
Give a hypothesis of your answer to the research question
II. Discussion of the Effectiveness of Techniques (2-3 pages)
Discussion of Predictive Analytical Techniques - Delphi and Red Teaming
o Explain each technique
o Examine the strengths and weaknesses of each technique
o Assess the effectiveness of each technique in analyzing your topic
o Select the one predictive technique you think would be most useful in your analysis (Delphi or Red Teaming)
Discussion of Other Analytical Techniques - Content Analysis, Comparative Analysis, and Rational Choice Theory (3-4 pages)
o Explain each technique
o Examine the strengths and weaknesses of each technique for your particular topic
o Assess the effectiveness of each technique in analyzing your topic
o Select the one technique you think would be most useful in your analysis (Content Analysis, Comparative Analysis, or Rational Choice Theory)
III. Analyze your issue using ONE of the techniques you deemed most useful (1-2 pages)
IV. Conclusion (one paragraph)