A simple threshold model for the classical bioassay problem

This chapter proposes a biologically motivated dose response model for rough work where it is too difficult to take account of other relevant factors such as timing of exposure and delay of response. Uses the model to derive a Weibull dose response curve with parameters which can be naturally interpreted in terms of threshold and order of contact in the low dose range. Compares several simple alternative models by fitting them to sets of data. Discusses fitting dose-response curves and the data sets and their analyses. Concludes that the Weibull curve does as well as but no better than the probit and logit analysis models. Points out that of the curves examined, the Weibull is the only one which allows explicit study of the important and open issues of organism threshold and linearity in the low dose range and these arise in a natural way