Which measure of central tendency is most appropriate for describing the average of antibody titers (e.g., 1:4, 1:16, 1:64, 1:256) in a serological survey?

• A Arithmetic mean
• B Median
• C Mode
• D Geometric mean ✓

Explanation

Antibody titers follow a logarithmic scale and are typically log-normally distributed. The geometric mean, calculated as the antilog of the mean of log-transformed values, correctly summarizes such ratio data. The arithmetic mean is distorted by the right skew. The median ignores the magnitude of differences. The mode may not represent central tendency. Geometric mean for titers is a specific, exam-favorite fact.

Reference: Methods in Biostatistics, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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