Introduction to Critical Thinking for Investigators

In an age of time compression and information overload, critical thinking skills are more important than ever for the practitioner. Optimal thinking processes impact all stages of intelligence and investigation, from planning, observation, collection and analysis, through to decisions, communication and professional effectiveness.

While we are called upon to use our critical and logical thinking skills on a daily basis, most of us have done so without a careful examination of our thinking processes (cognition) and the development of higher awareness of those processes (metacognition). This course will provide investigators with a solid foundation in critical thinking, with a blend of theoretical foundations, practical examples,
resources, and tactical tools.

Introduction to Critical Thinking for Investigators gives practitioners a foundation in critical thinking that is immediately applicable to their work, with relevant examples drawn from the world of open source intelligence and investigations. Real-world examples are used to reinforce core concepts and help build optimal habits of mind.

Learn About

• Tactical tools for identifying and mitigating cognitive bias and implicit assumptions
• Structuring analytical problems with sound reasoning and logic
• Producing valid and sound inductive and deductive arguments to support analysis and decisions
• Grounding assessments and the application of precision language techniques in team environments
• The neuroscience behind creative and out-of-the-box thinkers
• Accessing the creative problem-solving power of unconscious cognition
• The age of disinformation and fake news
• Countering deception and disinformation with critical thinking
• Strategies for fostering critical thinking environments
• Best practices and tips from experienced intelligence and investigative practitioners
• History, theoretical foundations, and core concepts of critical thinking
• Basic neuroscience as it applies to critical thinking
• Exercises that develop metacognition and enhanced awareness
• Diverse thinking processes of an investigator
• Impact of high operational tempo environments and optimizing habits of mind in these environments
• Cultivating focus and managing distractions through workflow optimization
• The difference between critical and uncritical thinking
• Management of attention ruptures and task switching
• Techniques to mitigate the limitations of working memory and cognitive overload
• Identifying common investigative failures and failures of logic due to cognitive bias
• Identifying sources of bias
• Minimizing the impact of heuristics during investigations

Course Outline

Module 1

• Why Critical Thinking?
• What is Critical Thinking?
• Critical Thinking in Western Thought

Module 2

• Metacognition
• Optimizing the Mind

Module 3

• Heuristics and Bias
• Cognitive Bias
• Heuristics and Bias Mitigation
• Reasoning and Logic
• Tactical Tools for Reasoning and Logic

Module 4

• Psychological Vulnerabilities and Cybercrime
• Deception Detection

Module 5

• Creativity and Lateral Investigative Thinking
• Disinformation and Critical Thinking