Through the use of the critical incident technique one may collect specific and significant behavioral facts, providing"… a sound basis for making inferences as to requirements…" for measures of typical performance (criteria), measures of proficiency (standard samples), training, selection and classification, job design and purification, operating procedures, equipment design, motivation and leadership (attitudes), and counseling and psychotherapy. The development, fundamental principles, present status, and uses of the critical incident technique are discussed, along with a review of studies employing the technique and suggestions for further applications. 74-item bibliography.(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)