Growth modeling within a multilevel modeling framework

In an earlier episode of Office Hours, Patrick addressed the question, “What is growth curve modeling?” In this episode he explores how a growth curve model can be estimated within the multilevel linear modeling (MLM) framework. Patrick begins by reviewing the assumption of independence in the general linear model and how this is violated when data are nested (e.g., children nested within classrooms). He then describes how the MLM allows for the direct modeling of nested data, and how this framework can be extended to estimate growth models in which repeated measures are nested within individual. He examines the unconditional growth model, the incorporation of time-invariant and time-varying covariates, and how the MLM growth model can be expanded to include additional levels of nesting.

To see all episodes in this series, see our Growth Modeling
playlist.