Longitudinal Data Analysis Examples With Random Coefficient Models

Longitudinal panel data examples are used to illustrate estimation methods for individual growth curve models. These examples constitute one of the basic multilevel analysis settings, and they are used to illustrate issues and concerns in the application of hierarchical modeling estimation methods, specifically, the widely advertised HLM procedures of Bryk and Raudenbush. One main expository purpose is to demystify these analyses by showing equivalences with simpler approaches. Perhaps more importantly, these equivalences indicate useful data analytic checks and diagnostics to supplement the multilevel estimation procedures. In addition, we recommend the general use of standardized canonical examples for the checking and exposition of the various multilevel procedures; as part of this effort, methods for the construction of longitudinal data examples with known structure are described.