The Critical Incident Technique
Helen Spencer‐Oatey, Claudia Harsch · 2015
The critical incident technique (CIT) is particularly useful when researchers are interested in understanding the details of interactional events. This chapter discusses the research into intercultural communication using the CIT has mainly focused on four main areas: the identification of cultural values/standards, insights into cross-cultural transitions/adaptation, insights into intercultural interaction, and the development and evaluation of training resources. Critical incidents (CIs) can be collected at one point in time or in a longitudinal approach, again depending on the research aims and the kinds of incidents or occurrences one tries to elicit and research. Studies using the CIT in the intercultural field tend to have a limited sample size, which could influence the generalizability of the findings. When CIs are used in training or in assessment, think-aloud techniques can be employed to examine the cognitive processes and competencies needed to interpret CIs.