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I Spy a Myth

NCJ Number
132972
Journal
Security Management Volume: 35 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1991) Pages: 26,29-30,32
Author(s)
L A Stone
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In response to the lack of behavioral science research into espionage, this author conducted a study based on data collected from books, media reports, and government documents on over 180 spies, each measured on as many as 68 variables. This quantitative data allows researchers to use sophisticated inferential statistics which will result in information that can be used in model and theory building.
Abstract
As a result of the research he conducted, the author calls into question the psychological assessment strategies used to assess candidates for security clearances. He also challenges several myths believed about spies: that they suffer from mental illness; that they are quickly punished; that they are usually highly intelligent; and that they are disproportionately homosexual and Jewish. 11 notes

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