Statistical Concepts for the Analytical Chemist

Abstract

Knowledge of statistics is very important for proper interpretation of the analytical data. The chapter on statistical concepts was included to identify and briefly review those concepts such as, significance, confidence intervals, uncertainty in measurements, design of experiments, etc. that are critical for the analytical chemist to understand so that they can discuss the data with company and regulatory agency statisticians and ensure that the data interpretation is acceptable for its intended use. It was not the intent for this discussion to be a complete statistical treatise, but the statistical concepts that will most likely be utilized by the analytical chemist in a GMP Analytical Chemistry Department. The necessary statistical equations are given with examples where deemed appropriate.