Resumen de Sweetness of Aspartame: Introducing Key Statistical Concepts in an Upper Division Bioanalytical Laboratory Project
J. Charles Williamson, Todd P. Silverstein
We have expanded Stein’s “Sweetness of Aspartame” laboratory project (Stein, P. J. J. Chem. Educ. 1997, 74, 1112, DOI: 10.1021/ed074p1112) to include extensive use of statistical testing. Students test the statistical significance of a nonzero intercept in a linear regression, bias in comparison to a true value, and statistical significance of the difference between replicate measurements of two different samples. They also estimate error stemming from the use of a calibration curve and explore the pitfalls in linearizing nonlinear data (e.g., the unweighted Lineweaver–Burk plot). Students use t-values and p-values to perform hypothesis testing; they review algebraic error propagation calculations and linear regression and are introduced to nonlinear regression. This laboratory project applies key measurements and statistical analyses often covered in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis to a fascinating biochemical reaction, the sensation of sweetness.
