Re: LINEAR MODEL

["Fritz A. Seiler" <faseiler@nmia.com>]

Hi All,

Joe Alvarez and I every once in a while insert a snide remark
concerning the pleonasm of the "linear no threshold model" into
a paper or a talk.  Often we drop it, but sometimes we do say it
or even write it.  The problem is that compared to the scientific
sins of the LNT crowd, that pleonasm is so puny that it is almost
not worth talking about.
Also, we think that the finesses of Bob Giansiracusa's post are
lost on many members of the LNT crowd.  Bob is right, of course,
and we think that the LNT pleonasm arose mainly because
someone was afraid that "linear" might be meant to include a
threshold and that had to be stopped, even at the cost of a
pleonasm!

Well, so much for the pleonasm "Linear No Threshold Theory"!!!

Fritz

In answer to Wes Van Pelt:

Fritz and all,

> I think I see your point. But, why do we always refer to the "Linear
> Non-threshold Model" rather than just the "Liner" model.  If what you say is
> true, there could be no such thing as a "Linear Threshold" model.  And we
> should refer to the LNT model as just the L model.
> Regards,
> Wes

*************************

Fritz A. Seiler, Ph.D.
Principal
Sigma Five Associates
P.O. Box 14006
Albuquerque, NM 87191-4006
Tel.    505-323-7848
Fax.    505-293-3911
e-mail: faseiler@nmia.com

**************************


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