An Introduction to Multilevel Modeling Techniques

This text offers a comprehensive treatment of multilevel models for univariate and multivariate outcomes. Multilevel modelling is a data analysis method that is frequently used to investigate hierarchal data structures in educational, behavioural, health, and social sciences disciplines. Multilevel data analysis exploits data structures that cannot be adequately investigated using single-level analytic methods such as multiple regression, path analysis, and structural modelling. This text offers a comprehensive treatment of multilevel models for univariate and multivariate outcomes. It explores their similarities and differences and demonstrates why one model may be more appropriate than another, given the research objectives. New to this edition: An expanded focus on the nature of different types of multilevel data structures (e.g., cross-sectional, longitudinal, cross-classified, etc.) for addressing specific research goals; Varied modelling methods for examining longitudinal data including random-effect and fixed-effect approaches; Expanded coverage illustrating different model-building sequences and how to use results to identify possible model improvements; An expanded set of applied examples used throughout the text; Use of four different software packages (i.e., Mplus, R, SPSS, Stata), with selected examples of model-building input files included in the chapter appendices and a more complete set of files available online. This is an ideal text for graduate courses on multilevel, longitudinal, latent variable modelling, multivariate statistics, or advanced quantitative techniques taught in psychology, business, education, health, and sociology. Recommended prerequisites are introductory univariate and multivariate statistics.

This comprehensive, applied approach to multilevel analysis is distinguished by its wide range of applications relevant to the behavioral, educational, organizational, and social sciences. Univariate and multivariate models are used to understand how to design studies and analyze data. Readers are encouraged to consider what they are investigating, their data, and the strengths and limitations of each technique before selecting their approach. Numerous examples and exercises allow readers to test their understanding of the techniques. Input programs from HLM and Mplus demonstrate how to set up and run the models. A latent variable conceptual framework is emphasized to show the commonality of the approaches and to make each technique more accessible. The first section is devoted to conceptual issues underlying multilevel modeling, while the second section develops several types of multilevel analyses including univariate regression, structural equation, growth curve and latent change, and latent variable mixture modeling. The new edition features: New chapters on multilevel longitudinal and categorical models 80% new exercises and examples website at http://www.psypress.com/multilevel-modeling-techniques/ providing datasets and program setups in HLM, SPSS, Mplus, and LISREL Increased emphasis on how multilevel techniques are used to examine changes in individuals and organizations over time. Ideal for introductory graduate level courses on multilevel and/or latent variable modeling, this book is intended for students and researchers in psychology, business, education, health, and sociology interested in understanding multilevel modeling. Prerequisites include an introduction to data analysis and univariate statistics.