The scientific research process can be term as research studies that require not only observable but also empirical evidence collected over a duration of time and consists points that are aimed at supporting a hypothesis. The hypothesis often surround a phenomena that are descriptive in nature through what can be regarded as independent experimental testing. On the other hand, intelligence research processes are activities that involve collecting, evaluating, conducting an analysis, as well as extracting information from a variety of sources for investigations at both the national and international levels involving topics such as terrorist activities and arson rings amongst other cases (Intelligence Research, 2016). The information acquired is then compiled into both graphs and analytical reports. The paper explores differences between intelligence research process and the intelligence research process.
One of the major differences between scientific and intelligence research processes is the fact that the intelligence research process does not incorporate experiments; which are used to isolate the factors under study, and independent testing in environments that are controlled like in the case of scientific research (Intelligence Research, 2016). Unlike in intelligence research process, the scientific research process requires the application of not only observable but also empirical evidence in support of the hypothesis under study. The intelligence research process differs from the scientific research due to the fact that it involves indentifying patterns through the primary method of observation to develop hypothesis as well as make future prediction events. In contrast to the scientific research process, the intelligence research process application of deductive and inductive reasoning as well as adequate knowledge of either a functional area or existing geographical areas for the purpose of producing intelligence reports (Intelligence Research, 2016). Another difference between the two research processes lies in the methods used to gather information. Unlike the scientific research, the intelligence research process incorporates intelligence gathering methods which include, link analysis, analysis in telephone records and visual investigations. Unlike scientific research processes, the intelligence research processes mainly deals with investigation of criminal activities while scientific research process are applied for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of the current world and sharing that understanding with other individuals in the world (Blankenship, n.d.). Unlike in the scientific research process, the main object in the case of the intelligence research process is not encyclopedic information or from other academic sources like in the case of scientific research (Drell, 2011) . Although in some instances the intelligence research process may compare to other research process such as the scientific research process, it greatly differs because unlike these research processes, no simple or definite technique is applied or appropriate in solving research problems. Techniques applied in the intelligence research processes are determined by the urgency, nature of the evidence present, problem and scope of the research (Drell, 2011) . In scientific researches the researchers in this field may apply the same standard methods of research in a particular problem however, in the intelligence research process two analysts solving a particular problem are less likely to use similar methods to solve the problem. Unlike in both scientific and academic research processes, the analyst involved in the intelligence research process may draw up on what can be regarded as a nation-wide collection organization (Drell, 2011). Unlike the academic research worker, the intelligence analyst may draw on a world-wide collection organization. Thus, all the collection resources for example belonging to state government such as the US government inclusive of other certain nations are all at the analyst's disposal. The analyst also has the privilege draw upon crucial information that may belong to independent specialists or rather existing private organizations which does not apply to academic or scientific researchers (Drell, 2011).
In conclusion, there lies many differences between both the scientific and the intelligence research process. They differ in terms of methods of research applied in each process, sources of information, and nature of the processes. Further, another difference is in terms of the purposes of the research processes. Therefore, due to the differences that exist, the two research processes cannot be used interchangeably.
References
Drell, B. (2011). Intelligence Research--Some Suggested Approaches. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved From: https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of- intelligence/kent-csi/vol1no4/html/v01i4a08p_0001.htm
Blankenship, D. (n.d). Steps of the research process .Human Kinetics. Retrieved from: http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/steps-of-the-research-process
Intelligence Research.(2016). Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Retrieved From: https://www.atf.gov/careers/intelligence-research
