Critical Incident Technique (CIT) refers to a qualitative research methodology that encompasses a systematic approach to identify, analyze, and understand critical incidents in specific domains. Developed by psychologists John Flanagan and Marilyn McCusker in the 1950s, this technique aims to capture and study significant events or situations that have a profound impact on individuals or groups.
The CIT methodology involves collecting detailed descriptions of critical incidents from participants who have personally experienced or observed them. These incidents are typically exceptional or problematic occurrences that disrupt the expected flow of events and require immediate attention. Gathered data usually includes a narrative of the incident, as well as information about the contextual factors and actions taken by those involved.
The purpose of using CIT is to gain insight into the underlying factors, environmental conditions, and behaviors that contribute to critical incidents. By analyzing the collected incidents, researchers can identify patterns, themes, and commonalities across different situations. Subsequently, this technique helps in understanding and predicting future incidents, enhancing decision-making, and informing the development of training programs to address critical incidents effectively.
CIT finds applications in various domains, including healthcare, aviation, customer service, and emergency response systems. It can provide valuable information for organizational improvement, policy development, risk assessment, and training design. The methodological rigor of CIT ensures that the interpretations drawn from critical incidents are reliable, valid, and representative of the experiences of individuals in the specific domain under investigation.
