Chapter Summary Every discipline has its own vocabulary and your success in studying ana- lytical chemistry will improve if you master this vocabulary. Be sure you understand the difference between an analyte and its matrix, between a technique and a method, between a procedure and a protocol, and between a total analysis technique and a concentration technique. In selecting an analytical method we consider criteria such as accu- racy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, ruggedness, the amount of available sample, the amount of analyte in the sample, time, cost, and the availability of equipment. These criteria are not mutually independent, and often it is necessary to find an acceptable balance between them. In developing a procedure or protocol, we give consideration to compensating for interferences, calibrating the method, obtaining an appropriate sample, and validating the analysis. Poorly designed procedures and protocols produce results that are insufficient to meet the needs of the analysis. Key Terms 0 1 2 accuracy calibration detection limit matrix method blank protocol rugged sensitivity technique analysis calibration curve determination measurement precision QA/QC selectivity signal total analysis technique analyte concentration technique interferent method procedure robust selectivity coefficient specificity validation