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Re: st: variable transformation and centering
From
Nick Cox <[email protected]>
To
[email protected]
Subject
Re: st: variable transformation and centering
Date
Mon, 4 Apr 2011 01:18:27 +0100
The marginal distribution of any predictor does not have implications
as such for regression.
Possibly, transforming skewed predictors may indirectly improve
matters in so far as assumptions of linearity, additivity and equal
variances are more nearly satisfied.
However, I suggest that your question answers itself if you focus on
one detail. From what you say, transformations such as logarithm or
square root are the most likely candidates. Translating your
predictors first by subtracting a summary will produce variables with
positive and negative values which will only be more difficult to
transform. So, don't centre first. Typically, centring will not be
necessary after transformation either.
On Sun, Apr 3, 2011 at 10:08 PM, Eduardo Nunez <[email protected]> wrote:
> I have to run a regression model with several inflammatory biomarkers
> as dependent variables. They are continuous and heavily skewed
> variables.
> I would like to transform and center them before including in the model.
> My question is: should I transform the variable first and then center
> it? Or is preferred to center the variable first and then to transform
> it?
> Or any way doesn't make difference?
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