[One of the four basic types of reasoning applied to intelligence analysis,] it is the process of generating a novel hypothesis to explain given evidence that does not readily suggest a familiar explanation. (DIA, Intelligence Essentials for Everyone, June 1999) Also see deduction; induction; scientific method. For additional information see Knowledge Management in the Intelligence Enterprise by Edward Waltz (2003) and Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analysis by David T. Moore, JMIC Press (2006).