In order to be predictive an all-source assessment must take into account how factors such as politics, society, ethnicity, history, economics and technology are likely to interact in a given situation. Where information sources are scarce and the cultural environment is very different to our own this can be an extremely challenging task. Social science can help avoid misinterpretation and reduce the risk of assessments being distorted by western values and outlooks. Numerous social scientists support all-source assessment.
The work of a DIAS psychologist
Helen is a 30 year old psychologist who has worked in the Defence Intelligence Assessments Staff (DIAS) for five years. Having gained a BSc in Applied Psychology, she spent a year travelling around South East Asia before joining the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to work on various projects including a study of military decision making. She completed an MSc in social psychology earlier this year:
"Psychologists within Defence Intelligence come from a cross section of the psychological community. Staff are drawn from applied, social, political, clinical, forensic and organisational fields - although social and political psychology are the two principal disciplines that inform the methodology we use. As members of a broader social science branch we have a global remit and are required to produce psychological assessments on a range of issues and individuals. Using all source intelligence we look at everything from individual leadership through to the motivation and organisation of armed groups.
"Depending on the requirement, we may find that we work on independent assignments for senior military and government officials, or as part of a task force with other political-military analysts. We work globally which means we need a good understanding of the principles of cross cultural psychology, and there is often considerable overlap, in terms of knowledge and methodology, with other social scientists in the organisation. Cooperation also extends to psychologists working in other government departments and agencies, both within the UK and overseas.
"Psychologists have only been working in intelligence analysis since 2000, and are still a relatively new breed. We differ from our traditional clinical and occupational colleagues in that we form a very new and exciting analytical niche within the intelligence community. There is a tremendous sense of involvement and achievement in providing time-critical assessments to military and senior government decision makers. Whilst the application of psychology to real life problems is often complex and highly challenging, it is hugely rewarding, both personally and professionally.
"Psychologists within the DIAS are required to have a British Psychological Society (BPS) recognised first degree (at least 2:1), and preferably a postgraduate qualification. Experience within defence, security or international relations is desirable but not mandatory."