A STUDY OF MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS
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Date
2003-08
Authors
WAH, CHAN AH
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Abstract
Multilevel analysis is being applied in a growing number of medical and social
science research areas such as epidemiology, voter behaviour, sociology, geography,
educational and organizational studies. It is getting very popular these days.
In this study, we aim to explain the essentials of multilevel analysis, how it is carried
out in 1:\vo very popular software packages, and some of the controversial issues
researchers have to face when using this method. We hope that this dissertation will
enable the reader to gain a more realistic perspective towards this 'new' statistical
tool.
Researchers from different academic fields use different tem1s or phrases when they
deal with multilevel problems. As such, it has been a source of confusion for many
people, especially for those who are new to this area. We shall clarify this matter
right from the start. We shall also compare multilevel techniques with ordinary least
squares method, followed by a brief outline of the historical roots of the subject.
Next, we shall look into the mathematical theory behind multilevel analysis,
parameter estimation techniques, hypothesis testing, and other standard statistical
concepts would also be discussed.
Two of the most popular multilevel software packages (HLM and MLwiN) are then
tested and their applications explained. We shall also examine some of the
fundamental challenges facing multilevel analysis and their possible solutions.
Finally, in the Appendix, we have included as reference a glossary for multilevel
analysis, a short article on different multilevel terms with the same meanings, and a
short survey of major multilevel software packages
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Keywords
MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS