The best way to learn multilevel structural equation modeling in xxM is to work through concrete examples. This page will lead you through different examples of linear mixed effects (lme) models, traditional multilevel models (MLM), and multilevel structural equation models (ML-SEM). Each example includes a path-diagram, complete model specification using scalar equations and matrices and complete specification of the model using xxM. Log and output of interactive session of fitting xxM models are also included.
First time users should begin with the “Hello xxM” example which describes everything you need to know about specifying a “two level – bivariate mixed-effects model”. Once you understand how models are ML-SEM models are specified in xxM, you could work through examples similar to your own data.
Name
Source
Data
Levels
Latent variable
Random slope
Structure
Model
LME
Hello xxM
Mehta
Simulated
2
No
No
Nested
Bivariate random-intercepts model
Yes
Stuff to dye for
Bates
Dyestuff
2
No
No
Nested
Random-intercepts model
Yes
Strong stuff
Bates
Pastes
3
No
No
Nested
Random-intercepts model
Yes
Big bugs
Bates
Penicillin
3
No
No
Crossed
Random-intercepts model
Yes
Reading to learn
Branum-Martin
Reading
2
No
Yes
Nested
Random-slope for a continuous covariate
Yes
Boys & Girls
Goldstein
GCSEMV
2
No
No
Nested
Random-slope for a categorical covariate
Yes
Feeling better – long
Hedeker
Reisby
2
No
Yes
Longitudinal
Linear growth curve model
Yes
Feeling better – wide
Hedeker
Reisby
1
Yes
Yes
Longitudinal
Latent growth curve model
No
Learning to read
Mehta
Reading
2
Yes
No
Nested
Two-level Confirmatory Factor Analysis
No
Pretty faces
Wickham
Faces
3
No
No
Crossed
bivariate cross-classified model
Yes
Quality schools or effective teachers
Mehta
Simulated
3
Yes
No
Nested
Across-level latent variable regression
No
Two-level CFA with random-slope
Mehta
Simulated
2
Yes
Yes
Nested
Random slopes with latent dependent variable
No