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I am analyzing ARIMA or multiple regression model. $Y= X_1 + X_2 + X_3 + X_4$

Can I have the log on Y and square root on X1 and square root on X2, at the same time? That is,

$\log Y = \sqrt{X_1} + \sqrt{X_2} + X_3 + X_4$

If yes, how can I interpret the results?

Nick Cox
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caroline
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1 Answers1

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Yes; you can do this and still achieve a valid model.

Interpretation, however, is complicated by this transformation. Your model then looks like

$$\log(E(Y_i)) = \beta_0+ \beta_1\sqrt{X_{i1}} + \beta_2\sqrt{X_{i2}} + \beta_3X_{i3} + \beta_4X_{i4}$$

This means that e.g. a doubling of $X_1$ is associated with an expected increase of $Y$ by a factor $\exp(\beta_1\sqrt{2})$, all other factors kept equal. For a unit increase in $X_1$ there is no easy interpretation; that depends on the current value of $X_1$.

A unit increase of $X_3$ is associated with an expected increase of $Y$ by a factor $\exp(\beta_3)$. So, interpretation is easier without transforming the variables. However, if square root transformation improves the fit or is necessary in some other way, then it is mathematically perfectly correct.

Nick Cox
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Knarpie
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