Nonlinear Regression
• An extended linear regression technique
Nonlinear Regression in R
Violeta I. Bartolome
Senior Associate Scientist
PBGB-CRIL
v.bartolome@cgiar.org
Linearized Nonlinear Model
• The linearized form of the example is:
log Y = log α + β log X
• The normality assumption for the error term
will not be appropriate for the linearized
form.
• Hence, if a nonlinear model is assumed to
be appropriate for the data, the nonlinear
model should be used for the analysis
instead of the linearized form.
in which a nonlinear mathematical model
is used to describe the relationship
between the response variable and the
predictor variables.
• A nonlinear regression model is a model
that contains at least one of the
parameters in a nonlinear form
• Example
Y = αXβ + ε ε ~ N( 0, σ 2 )
Parameter Estimation
• Iterative procedures are used
• May require users to supply initial
estimates of parameters
• User should know the biological
interpretation of the parameters to
provide intelligent initial values.
• The function getInitial() may also be
used.
 Read and Plot Data
Logistic growth curve
• Sample data
Graph shows a logistic
Severity represents the number
of lesions on the leaf surface,
relationship.
standardized as a proportion of
the maximum. Logistic model:

α
y=
1 + eβ −rt

Initial values Estimate Parameters

SSlogis creates initial estimates of the parameters Asym,

xmid, and scal from the model:
Asym
y= xmid−input xmid
1+e scal α = Asym β=
scal
The model that we are estimating is: r = 1 t = input
scal
α
y=
1 + eβ −rt
 Check fit of data

Other Non-linear Models Other Non-linear Models

• Exponential • Monomolecular

y = y0erx + ε y = 1 − (1 − y0 )e −rx + ε
 Other Non-linear Models Other Non-linear Models
• Logistic • Gompertz

1
y=
1 − y0 y = e log y0 e −rx
1+
y0e −rx

Other Non-linear Models

• Weibull

c
 x −a 
− 
y = 1−e  b  Thank you!