Is There Still a Place for Linearization in the Chemistry Curriculum?

Abstract

The use of mathematical transformations to reduce nonlinear functions to linear problems, which can be tackled with analytical linear regression, is commonplace in the chemistry curriculum. The linearization procedure, however, assumes an incorrect statistical model for real experimental data; leading to biased estimates of regression parameters and should therefore not be used in formal data analysis. This fact is overlooked in many chemistry degrees, as students do not yet have the mathematical knowledge to appreciate why linearization leads to bias when it is introduced. I hope that this commentary will start a discussion around the place of linearization in the chemistry curriculum, and more broadly around how mathematical and statistical training is currently provided to chemistry students.