What is Method?

• A. The piece of equipment used.
• B. The type of sample.
• C. The scientific technique used to perform testing or analysis on an environmental sample.
• D. The reagent added to drive a reaction.

Answer: (C)

Method is the specific scientific technique and step-by-step procedure used to analyze an environmental sample. It defines how the measurement is performed, including sample preparation, instrumentation, operating conditions, calibration, quality controls, data processing, and acceptance criteria. This distinguishes it from the equipment (the instrument used), the type of sample (the matrix), or the reagents (chemicals added) because the method describes the overall approach to testing. For example, a chromatographic method to quantify a contaminant encompasses the technique, the instrument settings, the standards, and the QC checks—everything needed to obtain reliable, comparable results.