The Enhanced Critical Incident Technique: Using Semi-Structured Interviews to Work with Vulnerable and Marginalized Populations

Abstract

In 2010, I commenced a PhD research project examining, for the first time, factors that helped and hindered immigrant and indigenous youths between 19 and 29 years of age in the transition between school and career. The youths who participated in this study self-identified as successful in their life choice of career. At this juncture, studies comparing migrant and indigenous youth's experiences of success in career transitions are non-existent. Additionally, working with vulnerable and indigenous populations requires specific research ethics approval. I used the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique as a means of conducting semi-structured interviews with participants. These interviews were then transcribed and analysed for categories, using a number of credibility checks as outlined in the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique. This case study examines the use of the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique and the challenges associated with recruiting and interviewing marginalized and special populations. I look at the particular ways in which people can build relationships, work with communities and use interviews as a means of eliciting valid and reliable data regarding specific events in a person's life. The use of the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique is given close attention.

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