A researcher measures serum antibody titers in a population and obtains values of 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, and 1:128. Which measure of central tendency is most appropriate to summarize these data?
- A Geometric mean ✓
- B Arithmetic mean
- C Median
- D Mode
Correct answer: A. Geometric mean
Explanation
Antibody titers are measured on a logarithmic scale and follow a log-normal distribution. The geometric mean is the appropriate measure of central tendency for such data because it accounts for the multiplicative nature of serial dilutions. The arithmetic mean would be inappropriately pulled upward by the higher dilutions, while the median loses information about the magnitude of differences between titers.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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