Syntax for Computing Random Effect Estimates in SPSS
Many programs can be used to fit multilevel models. For instance, in our multilevel modeling summer workshop, we demonstrate three programs: SAS, SPSS, and Stata. Unlike SAS, Stata, and many other programs, however, SPSS does not currently offer the option to output estimates of the random effects. Obtaining estimates of the random effects can be useful for a variety of purposes, for instance when producing plots or evaluating model assumptions. To overcome this limitation of SPSS, we have developed documentation and syntax for computing random effects in SPSS based upon output that is easily obtained from the MIXED command.