Abstract: Independent of scoring algorithm for matching or correlating mass spectrometer outputs to peptides in database(s), methods for identifying when a scoring algorithm has achieved a successful correlation include identifying criteria indicative of the successful correlation, conducting a plurality of scoring algorithm runs or analyses, and making an in silico determination as to whether the criteria is met. A first analysis occurs with initial parameters while subsequent analyses occur with modified parameters and/or other scoring algorithms. Parameters include spectrum data conditioning parameters applicable to mass spectrometer outputs and/or peptide data conditioning parameters applicable to peptides or their database. Preferred criteria indicating successful correlation include meeting a threshold algorithm score, obtaining a desired peptide coverage percentage or obtaining an amount of spectrum coverage used in matching. De novo sequencing information may also be used.