Information Quote by Dennis C. Blair
“The information gained from these techniques was valuable in some instances, but there is no way of knowing whether the same information could have been obtained through other means.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Interview on intelligence techniques, 2009
The usefulness of a method is uncertain when alternative approaches might yield the same data.
In simple terms: Methods may be useful, but alternatives could work too.
Key Takeaway
Question the uniqueness of your tools.
Themes
research
methodology
uncertainty
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- scientific research
- intelligence gathering
Key Concepts
epistemology
validation
Questions to Reflect On
- What other ways could achieve the same goal?
- How can we test a method’s exclusivity?
A Different Perspective
Alternative methods may be cheaper or more reliable.
