Matrix element analyses of dark matter scattering and annihilation

We provide a compendium of results at the level of matrix elements for a systematic study of dark matter scattering and annihilation. We identify interactions that yield spin-dependent and spin-independent scattering and specify whether the interactions are velocity and/or momentum suppressed. We identify the interactions that lead to s-wave or p-wave annihilation, and those that are chirality suppressed. We also list the interaction structures that can interfere in scattering and annihilation processes. Using these results, we point out situations in which deviations from the standard lore are obtained.