Matt,

> When it comes down to compare fits using different models, which is
> the relevant parameter? Chi square (and reduced) or R-factor? I have
> fits with smaller chi square and larger Rfactor and viceversa...

This is definitely a FAQ, so I put the answer at
  http://cars9.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/ifeffit/faqwiz?req=show&file=faq08.013.htp

thanks.
> Is it possible that a rationale would be that when the models to
> compare have the same number of atoms these parameters go in
> parallel? And that when the number of atoms is different one must
> rely more on chi square rather than R-factor (or viceversa)?

I'm not sure I understnad this:  I'd say the number of atoms or
paths, or anything else that describes the complexity of the
model, is NOT important. What's important is how well the
specified variables cause the model to match the data.

I think here below is the answer I was looking for (taken from the link above):

Either of these parameters can be used to compare different fits if the number of varibles and data k- and R-ranges are the same for the two models.

Thanks!
Stefano
--
____________________________________________

Stefano Ciurli
Professor of Chemistry
Department of Agro-Environmental Science and Technology
University of Bologna
Viale Giuseppe Fanin, 40
I-40127 Bologna
Italy
Phone:  +39-051-209-6204
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