A versatile digital computer program for non-linear regression analysis

Abstract

1. 1. A general purpose digital computer program is described for application to biological experiments that require a non-linear regression analysis. The mathematical function, or model, to be fitted to a given set of experimental data is written as a section within the program. Given initial estimates for the parameters of the function, the program uses an iterative procedure to adjust the parameters until the sum of squares of residuals has converged to a minimum. 2. 2. The iteration procedure used in this program possesses two important advantages over those currently used, namely that second partial derivatives need not be calculated and convergence is guaranteed. 3. 3. The program is depicted in a series of flow diagrams so that it can be written in any language. 4. 4. It can be easily adapted to a wide range of non-linear functions. Three such applications are described and reference is made to several others. © 1971.