The Critical Incident Technique, a set of procedures for collecting descriptions of, and
Categorizing human behavior aids in updating practical and research applications. Due to its
ability to embrace factual happenings and features, it proves an appropriate methodology for counseling psychology (Berger et al. 2012)
This technique relies on the memorization of events by users and requires precise and honest reportage, according to Urquhart 2003. This may pose a challenge since the information issued may be sketchy or unaccounted for. Therefore one should expect the unexpected; otherwise, digging out information will be impossible. It is essential to ensure thoroughness or redundancy manifestation to get all the necessary required details as this will help overcome the challenge.
The second challenge comes from a study that pointed out the problem of deciding what some physicians chose as CIT, in there setting. Interviewers were familiar with the setting, but familiarity and professional constraints led physician interviewees to choose a salient though not recent necessarily, clinic incident as they had been instructed to do so. When conducting interviews, interviewers should be able to set aside their professionalism to acquire complete information from interviewees.
Telephone interviews pose a challenge in the Critical Incidence Technique interviews, as collected data may lack crucial details. In this case, One on one interviews are encouraged due to the establishment of rapport, allowing participants to tell their story, and the contextual component and ability to follow up using probes and questions this cannot be obtained if other methods are used.
Critical Incidence Technique continues to be reliable as researchers apply it to highlight new and inventive research questions. This method proves suitable for counseling psychology due to its capacity and effectiveness as a foundational and descriptive instrument in research stages.