Fundamentals of Hierarchical Linear and Multilevel Modeling
G. David Garson · 2013
Hierarchical linear models and multilevel models are variant terms for what are broadly called linear mixed models (LMM). These models handle data where observations are not independent, correctly modeling correlated error. Uncorrelated error is an important but often violated assumption of statistical procedures in the general linear model family, which includes analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and factor analysis. Violations occur when error terms are not independent but instead cluster by one or more grouping variables. For instance, predicted student test scores and errors in predicting them may cluster by classroom, school, and municipality. When clustering occurs due to a grouping factor (this is the rule, not the exception), then the standard errors computed for prediction parameters will be wrong (ex., wrong b coefficients in regression). Moreover, as is shown in the application in Chapter 6 in this volume, effects of predictor variables may be misinterpreted, not only in magnitude but even in direction. Linear mixed modeling, including hierarchical linear modeling, can lead to substantially different conclusions compared to conventional regression analysis. Raudenbush and Bryk (2002), citing their 1988 research on the increase over time of math scores among students in Grades 1 through 3, wrote that with hierarchical linear modeling,