Valid statistical approaches for analyzing sholl data: Mixed effects versus simple linear models.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Sholl technique is widely used to quantify dendritic morphology. Data from such studies, which typically sample multiple neurons per animal, are often analyzed using simple linear models. However, simple linear models fail to account for intra-class correlation that occurs with clustered data, which can lead to faulty inferences.

New method

Mixed effects models account for intra-class correlation that occurs with clustered data; thus, these models more accurately estimate the standard deviation of the parameter estimate, which produces more accurate p-values. While mixed models are not new, their use in neuroscience has lagged behind their use in other disciplines.

Results

A review of the published literature illustrates common mistakes in analyses of S

SUBMITTER: Wilson MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5346342 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature