What Is the Difference between Information and Intelligence - Assignment Example

Differenced between Information and intelligence? Name Institution of Affiliation Introduction Whenever one mentions information and intelligence two things comes into their minds; computers and security. The two words most often, interchange in the field of security and application of computers. Every day hearing on the news the use of the two words interchangeably (MacFarlane, 2013). People are always amused by hearing the security official using the terms “classified information” or phrases such as “our Intelligence has discovered classified information." In such circumstances, people will find it hard to differentiate the two words but choose to link them together and leave the rest to the relevant authorities. On the other hand to the professionals, these two words differ considerably. To address this question, any individual is required to understand the concept and meaning of each word. Then explore their relationships. According to MacFarlane (2013), there is also a need to find out how they reflect our relationship to past, present and future. For instance, information tells about present world and how it is now while intelligence predicts guides and advises on what can be done to situations that have never been encountered before, and the likelihood of its outcomes. Information Information has several meanings depending on the area applied. The power of knowledge (2013) differentiates intelligence and information as follows; information is unevaluated material collected from every source via every method. In the philosophy, information is described as a pattern that is meaningful and shareable (MacFarlane, 2013). Their view is that humans’ evolved as species and individually learned to recognize and impute to these patterns (MacFarlane, 2013). A good example is the linguistics pattern where an individual realizes it physically integrates it mentally and then shares it socially. Information Technology (ICT) and business describes information as processed data that is substantive to the recipient (Riley, 2012). Raw material is the data and has to be processed for it to be meaningful. These raw data may be in the form of words, numbers or symbols (Riley, 2012). Both Roederer (1965) and Riley (2012) conquer that Data without the knowledge of device used to acquire them lacks meaning and are referred to as metadata in relation to a given database. Moreover, information lacks meaning without understanding of a problem or question it is supposed to solve (Roederer, 1965). In mathematics, data has to be processed in a series of mathematical algorithms to come up with information that would provide a solution to the problems. Sometimes the context of information itself can be expressed in some quantitative form which can become data from which information can be drawn out at higher level (Roederer, 1965). For instance, conversion of Level I data, such as electric output of the pulse of a particular telemetry signal from a remote sensing satellite, into level II data a representative value of physical magnitude obtained from the application of some algorithms to level my data (Roederer, 1965). Electrocardiogram traces and remote sensing images are good examples of Level II data. A weather map, on the other hand, is a level III data, determined by processing level II data using mathematical algorithm and observation of given patterns of level II data. It is developed using mapping algorithms (Roederer, 1965). Intelligence Psychological views intelligence as not information but rather a processing capacity to utilize the information to solve and react to the ever-changing requirements (MacFarlane, 2013). This role involves the acquisition, modification, extension, and maximum utilization in resolving problems. Intelligence can then be also taken to be the ability to survive within unpredictable circumstances (MacFarlane, 2013). Intelligence is not only analytical for survival but also social and emotional intelligence. These three aspects of intelligence: analytical. Social and emotional have been learned and accumulated throughout lives development (MacFarlane, 2013). Historical Background of Intelligence To the very complex meaning of intelligence, this concept was developed and investigated for centuries. It all began with the need to measure each’s intelligence. During the nineteenth century, psychologists from England, America Germany and France tried to measure the intelligence difference between individuals (Brody, 1992). This significant test was done by Sir Francis Galton from England (1897, 1883, 1885 as Cited by Brody, 1992; Eysenick, 1998). Galton developed a laboratory method that measured peoples’ intelligence based on sensory functioning. He believed that each’s intellectual ability was related to the sensory discrimination ability (Brody, 1992). In 1896, he joined hands with Henri (as cited by Brody, 1992), and developed an outlined theoretical project aimed at developing a complex intelligence test. During that time, there was a widespread need to develop test mechanism. Only simple laboratory test such as those by Plato (Vroon, 1980) were available, and so both Galton and Henri were affirmative that individuals’ intelligence could only be measured by an elaborate technique that incorporated individual human aspects such as comprehension, imagination, aesthetic sensibility and memory (Brody, 1992). Two decades later, research on intelligence were not yet up to standard as samples were subtle, laboratory procedures were not up to standard and there was still no use of quantitative indices for reporting their relationship. Alfred Binet, a Frenchman, born later than Galton, developed an analysis technique that was first seen in 1905 (Eysenick, 1998). He was crowned the father of modern Intelligence test. His views differed considerably with that of Sir Francis Galton. Binet proposed and emphasized on three test methods. First, medical method, involved measuring an individual’s intelligence based on Physiological, pathological and anatomical signs of inferior intelligence. Secondly, Pedagogical method, measures a person’s intelligence based on school- acquired knowledge. Thirdly, the psychological process, involves observation and measurements of a person’s behaviours (Eysenick, 1998). Binet argued that as a child progresses in growth so and so does his intelligence. The child presented with a problem at a certain age; he solves the problem, but at a latter period he can solve it. The age at which he can that problem was termed Mental age while his real age is the Chronological age (Eysenick, 1998). Binet suggested that if a child has a greater Mental age than the chronological age, that child is bright while lower mental age than the chronological age then the child is considered dull. A German physiologist William Stern later merged the two concepts with a formula IQ (M.A/C.A)100. Difference between information and intelligence in terms of security Soon after Binet died, two other psychologist took on the case on intelligence; Leo Thurstone at Chicago and Charles Spearman, professor of psychology at University College London. Their argument was based on statistical formula (Eysenick, 1998). They argued that a pattern can be formed by administering a series of test to a group of children and then calculating the correlation between the tests, and the resultant would be a matrix (Table of intercorrelations) (Eysenick, 1998). According to Eysenick (1998), there are disadvantages of intelligence Quotient test (IQ), such as it lacks identical intervals and a zero-point. Ideally any scale of measure should posses the two properties as seen in length and weight. IQ has a 10point difference on the scale and may bring errors and no absolute zero (Eysenick, 1998). The resultant would be a limitation to mathematical manipulations that can be applied. Most of the theories were put forward are not known by many because people have familiarized themselves with intelligence type tests and put it into practice that is known to impart positive effects. The notion from individual’ development of intelligence provided insight to the sophisticated definition of intelligence. Today intelligence is more inclined to security issues probably because people now know how to practice intelligence test (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2006).The rising insecurities such as cyber crime, terrorism, and many others have created a new room for the use of intelligence. In terms of security, intelligence scholars still argue about its meaning. According to Johnson (2007), the primary difference in these scholars’ arguments is the expansiveness of their definitions. In his collection of expansive definitions, ones come out clearly; he define intelligence as a process that commences “when the national decision makers identify what information is needed to help them make better-informed decisions regarding any entity with which they must deal,” (Johnson, 2007, p. 2). There I then a distinct difference between the intelligence humans us to interact on a daily basis, from this sort of intelligence. The great difference is brought by the general use of the information. It has undergone a great transformation. The transformed intelligence now involves nations and economies as opposed to that required by individuals to interact. The transformed intelligence also involves information from people or nations that may not ready to provide, as they may be hostile such as terrorist organizations (Johnson, 2007). Information has been used as a component that makes up intelligence. McEwen (2010) describes information as two-dimensional that when a third dimension is incorporated transforms into intelligence. She sees intelligence as a result of one synthesizing the information provided to choice, and it is the likely impact if action is taken or not. In continuation differentiation between intelligence and information Berkowitz (2003), sees intelligence as an entity marred by uncertainty. He describes his view based on the past terrorist attacks and the response of the political leaders. It often lacks foolproof and airtight evidence Berkowitz (2003). The power of knowledge (2013) argues that intelligence usable information that has been verified by various sources and proved reliable to some specified degree and interpreted by intelligence specialist. Federal Bureau of Investigation (n.d) define intelligence as well refined product processed from information identified, collected and analyzed to meet the needs of policymakers. Intelligence is divided into many branches within the security level. They include strategic intelligence, domestic intelligence, criminal intelligence and military intelligence to name a few. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2006), criminal intelligence is hard to define and if defined if may be offensive in some parts of the world instead they had resolved to use the term information. Their view is that both information and intelligence can be used interchangeably. Their view also takes note of the diversity in the definition of intelligence. Their common theme is that the intelligence is information with added value that can be assigned through its analysis. Intelligence is collected by various means. Most often, intelligence collection is done by human spies referred to as HUMINT (Human intelligence).While that intelligence collected by electronic means is referred to as SIGINT (signal intelligence) (The power of knowledge, 2013). Finally, intelligence collected through any kind of imagery, often satellite photography is referred to as IMINT. These platforms are well protected and actively managed by the governments (The Nature of Intelligence (n.d), the power of knowledge, 2013). To become highly useful intelligence, information collected must be actively analyzed and evaluated. Evaluation it then would include rating the analyzed information based on the standard evaluation ratings that were standardized several decades ago by various governments and private purveyors (The power of knowledge, 2013). Strategic intelligence is intelligence at the national level used to formulate policies and military plans. It incorporates factors and information that will influences military capabilities and course of action that a nation can undertake under certain circumstances.. Criminal intelligence, on the other hand, is any information with added value and can be used by the law enforcement to that solves criminal activities (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2006). In the last half a century the use of information and intelligence by police has intensified. Initially police information systems involved the use of collation index cards managed by librarians (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2006). It has evolved to the into information technology that requires professional crime analyst (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2006). There is also increased sophistication in the use of information. Identification of crime threats has improved from the development of intelligence techniques and methodologies (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2006). Intelligence cycle Refers to processing of unrefined information into polished intelligence to be used by policy makers. It consists of six steps; requirements, collection, processing and planning and direction, exploitation, analysis and production, and dissemination (The Nature of Intelligence, (n.d); Federal Bureau of Investigation, n.d). Requirements; this refers to the identification of information needed. Whenever critical information for the protection of a nation arises, they are developed. Planning and direction incorporates management of the entire programme, from research on the need for informational to analysis of the information and ultimate delivery of intelligence to the policymakers. Collection once the requirements have been assessed and deemed reasonable, information collection is done. Information collection may be informed of physical, technical or interview surveillances, liaison relationships, human source operation and searches.Processing and exploitation the collected information is converted into a usable form by analysts. Analysis and Production, the processed information, is converted into intelligence (McEwen, 2010). The information is evaluated based on their validity, reliability, and relevance and packaged into an intelligence product. This product is in two contexts; The Dots (raw intelligence) and Connect Dots (Finished intelligence). Dissemination involves delivery of the product to the relevant consumers or policy makers. The Australian Federal Police (2014) on the other hand utilize and add value the incoming information to develop intelligence on existing crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling and sexual servitude, counter-terrorism, and child sex tourism among other. Their system of collecting information, analysis, and evaluation to formation of intelligence is slightly different. The overall similarity is that in both data is collected, transformed into information and further into intelligence that can be used for the security of the nation. Evolution of the two terms is very eminent especially in the field of security wherein the 20th- and 21st century has seen numerous security challenges (Siegel, 2001; Laipson, 2008). These challenges have led to the need of transformation of information into sophisticated intelligence that can resolve them. Conclusion There is a great distinction between intelligence and information. The primary difference noted is that the intelligence relies on the information for its existence. Intelligence is a three-dimensional structure that relies on a two-dimensional information with the incorporation of the third dimension .Some sectors use these words interchangeably because of various reasons such as security .The complexity of their meaning continues as time goes. Intelligence, on the other hand, is transforming from the ancient human ability to do things amongst themselves to information utilized to fight crime, manage business and so forth. With increased technology, the same intelligence is being tried on machines and robot. References Berkowitz, B. (2003). The Big Difference between Intelligence and Evidence. Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/blog/2003/02/the-big-difference-between-intelligence-and- evidence.html Brody, N. (1992). Intelligence. Academic Press U.K; United Kingdom Eysenick, J., H. (1998). Intelligence: A New Look. Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick New Jersey; United States of America Federal Bureau of Investigation (n.d). Directorate of Intelligence. Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/intelligence/intelligence-cycle MacFarlane, A. (2013). Information, Knowledge and Intelligence. Retrieved from http://philosophynow.org/issues/98/Information_Knowledge_and_Intelligence Dr. Roederer, G., J (1965). Information and its Role in Nature. Springer;Germany. Riley, J. (2012). ICT - Data and Information. Retrieved from http://tutor2u.net/business/ict/intro_business_information.htm Vroon, A., P. (1980). Intelligence. North-Holland Publishing Company; Netherlands McEwen, V., L. (2010). Recalibrating Emergency Management: Information is not the same as Intelligence. Retrieved from http://www.emergencymgmt.com/emergency- blogs/campus/Recalibrate-Emergency-Management-Information-Intelligence- 122910.html Johnson, K., L. (2007).Strategic Intelligence. Greenwood Publishing Company Inc. United States of America. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2006). Policing: Police Information and Intelligence Systems. Retrieved from http://www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and- prison-reform/cjat_eng/4_Police_Information_Intelligence_Systems.pdf The Power of Knowledge (2013). Information vs. Intelligence. Retrieved from http://www.pitorriassociates.com/blog/?p=1899 The Australian Federal Police (2014). Intelligence; intelligence information. Retrieved from http://www.afp.gov.au/jobs/current-vacancies/intelligence/intelligence-information.aspx The Nature of Intelligence (n.d). Retrieved from http://fas.org/irp/doddir/dod/jp2-0/j2-0ch2.htm Siegel A., B. (2001). Information, Analysis, Intelligence: A Critical Challenge for 21st Century Operations. Retrieved from http://smallwarsjournal.com/documents/siegel3.pdf Laipson E. (2008). New Information and Intelligence Needs in the 21st Century Threat Environment. Retrieved from http://www.stimson.org/images/uploads/research- pdfs/SEMA-DHS_FINAL.pdf Read More