Critical incident interviewing in evaluation of resident performance.

To identify evaluation procedures for selection of radiology residents, this study was performed to describe the criteria that indicate successful resident performance. The critical incident technique, a method previously used in industrial settings, was applied. Structured interviews with 22 senior radiology staff members produced descriptions of resident behavior that fell into the following six categories: knowledge, technical skills and abilities, attitudes toward self, interpersonal skills, conscientiousness, and curiosity. The majority of behavioral factors appraised were in the last four categories, which describe personality variables and social skills. The results have implications for the evaluation and selection of residents.