Multilevel models and then some!

Multilevel models are finding widespread use in many social science settings. The traditional settings have been developed in the statistical mixed model setting. Extensions to non normal models are also finding useful applications. These models are typically expressed as a hierarchical model where parameters are expressed by their relevant distributions. Specialized software solutions are needed to deal with the estimation difficulties. The Centre for Multilevel Modelling is a very useful resource for both theory and software and is the home of WLwiN. Of particular note, is the page on software reviews, where many software packages are discussed and sample codes provided. Be sure to check out the discussion and software devoted to multiple imputation in the multilevel model setting! Last but not least, take a look at the work done by a major contributor to multilevel models, Harvey Goldstein, addressing Multilevel Structural Equation Models as implemented in MLwiN.