What is a key characteristic of a critical event?

A key characteristic of a critical event is perceptual and memory distortion. This occurs because critical events often involve high levels of stress, urgency, or emotional intensity, which can significantly impact how individuals perceive their surroundings and process information. In such situations, people may misinterpret cues, forget important details, or remember events in a distorted way due to the overwhelming nature of the experience.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes or improvements. Increased communication effectiveness, heightened team synchronization, and improved decision-making skills are typically associated with effective teamwork and problem-solving, but they do not necessarily define a critical event itself. Critical events generally involve challenges that disrupt these positive dynamics rather than enhance them, emphasizing the impact of stress on cognitive functions during such times.