Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

The way in which intelligence questions and requirements are framed can have a s

ID: 418813 • Letter: T

Question

The way in which intelligence questions and requirements are framed can have a significant impact on the focus and direction of the resulting intelligence analysis. By the same token, the way in which intelligence reporting, intelligence products, are framed can have a significant impact on the way in which that intelligence is received, and even acted upon. Some have argued that intelligence analysts should frame their reporting in an appropriate manner given the context of the particular intelligence questions being asked and the expectations of the customers who will receive the report. Others, however, have argued that teaching intelligence analysts about the framing of reporting is tantamount to teaching analysts to write fiction. What is the proper role, if any, of knowledge and understanding of framing effects by analysts? Are the critics right in arguing that teaching analysts to frame their reports is detrimental to the objectivity of intelligence production? Or is analytic awareness framing impacts a benefit to customers in the production process? Defend your answer.

Explanation / Answer

Knowledge and understanding basically help in forming the foundation of any report. They are quite critical as with concrete knowledge and clear understanding, the concepts can be reproduced in the best possible way. Framing effects form an essential part of any report drafted by analysts. The success or failure of any report can be based on the relevance of the framing effects used. If the framing effects are not concrete, then the reader will not be able to understand the context that the analyst is trying to portray. The clarity of handling framing effects comes with proper understanding, knowledge as well as experience.

I do not support the critics in this regard as in my views, learning is a continuous process and there is no harm to teach the analysts about the framing effects that can be used. Knowledge keeps evolving and increases while sharing. Hence, there is no harm in sharing knowledge with the teaching analysts about the approach to be used to frame their effects.