This paper reviews the performance characteristics and proposed response mechanisms for the most prominent selective gas chromatogrphy detectors, with specific emphasis on the electron capture, flame photometric, electrolytic conductivity, and thermionic N/P detectors.Areas of present confusion regarding operational response models for these four selective detectors are noted for the primary purpose of stimulating further research designed to improve the understanding of these detector responses. In addition, those known detector limitations and idiosyncrasies that can be responsible for erroneous qualitative and quantitative data are carefully defined for the practicing gas chromatography analyst. -- AATA