Using argument mapping to improve clarity and rigour in written intelligence products

Intelligence products should be clear and rigorous. Intelligence organisations often attempt to improve clarity and rigour with training in thinking and writing. It is assumed that (1) training enhances clarity and rigour in products, and (2) greater clarity and rigour leads to better decisions. We describe three studies exploring these assumptions. These studies concern an initiative in a biosecurity context, based on a form of argument mapping. Results indicate that reports improved, but were inconclusive about the quality of decisions. We discuss implications of this research for intelligence.