ERIC Number: EJ1191888
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Sep
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1045-3830
EISSN: N/A
Multilevel Modeling Myths
School Psychology Quarterly, v33 n3 p492-499 Sep 2018
The use of multilevel modeling (MLM) to analyze nested data has grown in popularity over the years in the study of school psychology. However, with the increase in use, several statistical misconceptions about the technique have also proliferated. We discuss some commonly cited myths and golden rules related to the use of MLM, explain their origin, and suggest approaches to dealing with certain issues. Misunderstandings related to the use of the intraclass correlation, design effects, minimum sample size, multilevel factor structures, model R[superscript 2], and the misestimation of standard errors are reviewed. Many of the cited myths have much truth in them--though at times, researchers may not be aware of the exceptions to the rules that prevent their overall generalization. Although nesting should be accounted for, researchers should realize that MLM, which is a powerful and flexible technique, is not the only method that can be used to account for the clustering effect.
Descriptors: Hierarchical Linear Modeling, School Psychology, Misconceptions, Correlation, Sample Size, Error of Measurement, Research Design, Least Squares Statistics, Factor Analysis
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A