Log-normalization of predictors I have the following dependent and independent variables for my linear regression model. Since they are all in different scales (some of the are % others continuous variables), I was suggested to take the log and normalize my variables before running the regression.
    Y    X2        X3 (%)       X1 (%)
Mean 2.9 24.6   0.009517    230.992248
std  2.3 32.2   0.077092    230.992248
Min  0   1      0           0
Max  8   539    1           1

I have the following Qs:
Why should I take the log and then normalize them - rather than using just one of the two data transformations?
Should I log and normalize also my Y variable?
How would interpret my coefficient at the end of the exercise? and how can I make them humanly intelligible for a business audience?
Any easy doc reference is very appreciated!
 A: First of all, taking only the logarithm of predictors creates the regression equation $y=a+\sum w_i\log x_i$, which assumes a relationship in the form $e^y=A\prod{x_i^{w_i}}$. Taking log of both IVs and DV creates the problem $\log y=a+\sum{w_i\log x_i}$, which assumes a relation in the form $y=A\prod{x_i^{w_i}}$. So, the underlying assumption changes. It's not that you must take the logarithm of $y$, it's your underlying assumption. And if you're unsure which relation is actually meaningful, you need to do model selection and test both.
In my opinion, standardization is a common step in regression analysis. Once you set your predictors, i.e. $\hat{x_i}=\log x_i$, you'll solve for the regression problem $y=\sum{w_i\hat{x_i}}+b$. The thing is, when you actually try to solve for $y=\sum{w_ix_i}+b$, you'd probably apply standardization without questioning. U think, doing the same for $\hat{x_i}$ here would also do no harm. The purpose of standardization is to ensure that each term contributes to MSE similar amounts. And you don't need to apply standardization to $y$, however applying doesn't also harm.
Note: some of your variables contains $0$'s (or numbers close to $0$) I guess. Be careful when you take the logarithm.
