Catalog Description

Hierarchical linear models (HLM) extend the concepts of regression beyond the notion of a simple outcomes/predictor model to also include nested structures. The course includes an analysis of research that includes HLM, designing experiments that include HLM, and running HLM software and interpreting the results.

Purposes of the Course

• To understand research that includes HLM analysis
• To design experiments for which HLM analysis could be used.
• To run HLM software and interpret the results.

Course Goals

1. Know when and why to use HLM analysis techniques
2. Read and interpret the professional literature that uses HLM techniques
3. Run software to implement HLM, and interpret the output
4. Initiate and complete a project using HLM analysis

Articles for HLM

The following are articles that use or discuss SEM or HLM. These are fast becoming prevalent methodologies. As an academic and professional in your field, you should begin to read and understand these with some ease.

Boyle, M. H., & Willms, J. D. (2001). Multilevel modelling of hierarchical data in developmental studies. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry & Allied Disciplines, 42, 141-162.

Bryk, A. S., & Driscoll, M. E. (1988). The High School as Community: Contextual Influences and Consequences for Students and Teachers Madison,WI.: National Center on Effective Secondary Schools. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED302539)

Hill, H. C., & Ball, D. L. (2004). Learning Mathematics for Teaching: Results from California's Mathematics Professional Development Institutes. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 35, 330-351.

Kairouz, S., Nadeau, L., & Lo Siou, G. (2005). Area variations in the prevalence of substance use and gambling behaviours and problems in Quebec: A multilevel analysis. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 50, 591-598.

Lee, V. E., & Bryk, A. S. (1989). A Multilevel Model of the Social Distribution of High School Achievement. Sociology of Education, 62, 172-192.

McCoach, D. B., O'Connell, A. A., Reis, S. M., & Levitt, H. A. (2006). Growing readers: A hierarchical linear model of children's reading growth during the first 2 years of school. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98, 14-28.

McInerney, D. M., & Ali, J. (2006). Multidimensional and hierarchical assessment of school motivation: Cross cultural validation. Educational Psychology, 26, 717-734.

North, R. J. Holahan, C.J., Moos, R.H., & Cronkite , R.C. (2008). Family support, family income, and happiness: A 10-year perspective. Journal of Family Psychology, 22(3), 475-483.

Peck, S. C. (2007). TEMPEST in a gallimaufry: Applying multilevel systems theory to person-in-context research. Journal of Personality, 75, 1127-1156.

Raudenbush, S. W. (2008). Many small groups. In J.de Leeuw, E. Meijer, J. de Leeuw, & E. Meijer (Eds.), Handbook of multilevel analysis (pp. 207-236). New York: Springer.