Multivariate Analysis Methods in Particle Physics *

Each generation of high-energy physics experiments is grander in scale than the previous -- more powerful, more complex, and more demanding in terms of data handling and analysis. The spectacular performance of the Tevatron and the beginning of operations at the Large Hadron Collider have placed us at the threshold of a new era in particle physics. The discovery of the Higgs boson, or another agent of electroweak symmetry breaking, and evidence of new physics may be just around the corner. The greatest challenge in these pursuits is to extract the extremely rare signals, if any, from the huge backgrounds that arise from known physics processes. The use of advanced analysis techniques is crucial in achieving this goal. In this review, I discuss the concepts of optimal analysis, some important advanced analysis methods, and a few examples. The judicious use of these advanced methods should enable new discoveries and produce results with better precision, robustness, and clarity.