Interplay between chemistry and statistics, with special reference to calibration and the generalized standard addition method

Abstract

Abstract Ever since the beginning of this century problems in the field of chemistry and chemical engineering have played an important role in the development of statistics, and statistical models and methods have proved to be an efficient tool for planning of chemical experiments and in the analysis of chemical data. After mentioning a number of mutually important statistical methods and chemical problem areas, I will discuss in more detail the interplay and lack thereof in the field of calibration. In particular I will describe and discuss the generalized standard addition method (GSAM) with a two-fold intention: to propose statistically motivated improvements and future developments in the theory of estimation and design for this method of multicomponent analysis, as well as to illustrate how a statistician looks at the topic, for the possible benefit of chemists in their future contacts with statistics and statisticians.