Introduction to the Critical Incidents Technique (CIT) – A Qualitative Approach for the Social Sciences

Topic

How can critical incidents be systematically analyzed to assess the trauma potential of educational settings and ensure an adequate response? The Critical Incidents Technique (CIT) is a qualitative research method that identifies and examines significant events to reveal patterns in human behavior and interaction.

This interactive workshop offers a hands-on introduction to CIT, exploring its theoretical foundations and practical applications. Through concrete examples and reflective exercises, participants will discover how CIT can be applied to uncover deeper structures of social dynamics, evaluate teaching and learning environments, and enhance trauma responsiveness in educational practice.

About the facilitator

Mohamed ABDEL KEREAM is a doctoral candidate at the Center for Teacher Education (ZLB) at the University of Vienna. His research focuses on trauma and education, with a particular emphasis on the role of critical incidents in shaping trauma-informed teaching.