The intelligent analyst as social scientist: a comparison of research methods

Abstract

A study which explores the relationship between law enforcement intelligence and social research. The author argues that because law enforcement intelligence draws heavily upon the use of research methodologies, analysts employed in the field can benefit from the knowledge and skills of social scientists. The study compares some of the most frequently used qualitative data collection methods and analytic techniques employed by intelligence analysts with those of the social scientist. The study concludes that providing tertiary education in social research methods for law enforcement intelligence personnel, or alternatively, recruiting social scientists as analysts would be most beneficial, and points to similar positive situations experienced by the CIA in its exchange program with various universities.

Citation

Prunckun, H.W. (1996), "The intelligent analyst as social scientist: a comparison of research methods", Police Studies: Intnl Review of Police Development, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 67-80. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000004478