[Goose]

Sorry, I misread.  you are right that the formula fit the curve.  However, the formula was for a Gaussian error function, not a Gaussian function, so your post threw me for a loop.


Gaussian function ≠ Gaussian error function

Gaussian function:


Gaussian error function


The Gaussian error function for a given represents the probability that a measurement value in a Gaussian function lies between those two values.


BC

True, but as I read it, the use of this function has nothing to do with a probability distribution. It was the function that best fit the data among the alternatives they tried. They say the tried other "sigmoidal" functions, meaning S shaped curves, and liked this one the best. They did not tell us what else they tried or even how will the one they chose fit the data.

[Goose]

Sorry, I misread.  you are right that the formula fit the curve.  However, the formula was for a Gaussian error function, not a Gaussian function, so your post threw me for a loop.


Gaussian function ≠ Gaussian error function

Gaussian function:


Gaussian error function


The Gaussian error function for a given represents the probability that a measurement value in a Gaussian function lies between those two values.


BC

True, but as I read it, the use of this function has nothing to do with a probability distribution. It was the function that best fit the data among the alternatives they tried. They say the tried other "sigmoidal" functions, meaning S shaped curves, and liked this one the best. They did not tell us what else they tried or even how will the one they chose fit the data.