The Philosophical Underpinnings of the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique

Authors

  • Matthew M. McDaniel University of British Columbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7763-7611
  • William A. Borgen University of British Columbia
  • Marla J. Buchanan University of British Columbia
  • Lee D. Butterfield University of British Columbia
  • Norm E. Amundson University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47634/cjcp.v54i4.68139

Abstract

Since its introduction in 1954, the critical incident technique (CIT) has been modified for use within counselling psychology and undergone several contemporary enhancements. While the method’s procedures and history have been described thoroughly, its philosophical underpinnings have not. This article seeks to fill this gap by contrasting the most current iteration of the CIT (i.e., the enhanced critical incident technique, or ECIT) across the philosophy of science paradigms. The ECIT is found to contain specific and rigorous post-positive epistemological elements and a flexible ontological position. This makes the ECIT a malleable method that can meet the needs of researchers from multiple perspectives.

Author Biographies

Matthew M. McDaniel, University of British Columbia

Matthew M. McDaniel is a Ph.D. candidate in counselling psychology at the University of British Columbia. His interests include sustainability within difficult helping professions and the philosophy of science.

William A. Borgen, University of British Columbia

William A. Borgen is a professor of counselling psychology at the University of British Columbia.

Marla J. Buchanan, University of British Columbia

Marla J. Buchanan is a professor of counselling psychology at the University of British Columbia.

Lee D. Butterfield, University of British Columbia

Lee D. Butterfield is an adjunct professor of counselling psychology at the University of British Columbia and a registered psychologist in private practice.

Norm E. Amundson, University of British Columbia

Norm E. Amundson is a professor emeritus of counselling psychology at the University of British Columbia.

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Published

2020-12-12

How to Cite

McDaniel, M. M., Borgen, W. A., Buchanan, M. J., Butterfield, L. D., & Amundson, N. E. (2020). The Philosophical Underpinnings of the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 54(4), 738–755. https://doi.org/10.47634/cjcp.v54i4.68139

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 4 (2020): Special Section - Outcomes of the 2018 Canadian Counselling Psychology Conference

Section

Articles/ Articles

License

Copyright is retained by the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.