These are Diagnostic Technique, Contrarian Technique, and Imaginative Thinking Technique (U.S. Government, 2009). Each of these techniques brings its own pros and cons to the table, with some even enhancing another. In this paper, we will be looking more in depth at the latter two techniques: Contrarian Technique, and Imaginative Thinking Technique. We will define each technique and compare and contrast their strengths and weaknesses, as well as discuss some of the sub-techniques associated with them.
The Contrarian Techniques, sometimes also referred to as the alternative analysis technique, is intended to challenge the conventional wisdom or currently understood truth behind a topic or subject (University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies, 2012). This helps smalls group of analysts challenge their own dominant mindset, allowing to think “outside the box”. This technique has been