The ‘Restraint Bias’ Technique

The tradecraft guide to the ‘restraint bias’ technique; an in-depth analysis of the concept, its applications, and methods for exploiting restraint bias in a target to extract intel and induce error.

Restraint bias is a psychological phenomenon where an individual overestimates their capacity for self-control and decision-making under various circumstances. For covert operatives, understanding this bias can serve as a crucial tool for control and compliance.

Properly leveraged, restraint bias can induce a target to make errors or disclose information unintentionally, which can be valuable in intelligence gathering, operations or any scenario where deception is key.