Hello,
I have data (size of neuronal soma area for two different mouse genotype) which are lognormally distributed.
In order to be able to use parametrical statistical analysis (ttest, ANOVA,...) I transformed my data with the log() function. Now perfect, the log(data) follow a normal distribution, so I can run my stats.
My problem is now how do I make figure with it?
Should I represent my histogram with the mean of the data, or of the log(data)? How do I calculate the percentage change between my two groups (based on data or log(data))? etc
Because if I represent the log(data) on my graph, the scale should be a logarithmic one, and it is not the more intuitive way to catch up the difference.
But am I authorized to represent the mean and sem of my data, if the statistical test was done on their log()?
Thank you for your help, my coming figures (and my mental health) will gain from it!
There is no strict rule or law that you had to present data exactly the way it is analyzed. For some more sophisticated model this is not even possible.
My advice is to show the data using a scatterplot using a logarithmically scaled Y-axis like here:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel_Paris2/publication/259473974/figure/fig2/AS:297117424865288@1447849722226/Dot-plot-depicting-the-negative-effect-of-low-bacterial-loads-median.png
You can indicate the means or the medians be a vertical line (just write in the legend what the line means), but to my opinion it's sufficient to just show the points.
Actually .. I agree with Dr. Jochen Wilhelm for this important answer.
No strict rules on how present data; however, be careful for your considerations on statistical results:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_can_we_trust_in_the_back-transformed_confidence_interval_and_statistical_analysis
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