Pre Recorded
In this two day course, we provide a comprehensive practical and theoretical introduction to multilevel models, also known as hierarchical or mixed effects models. We will focus primarily on multilevel linear models, but also cover multilevel generalized linear models. Likewise, we will also describe Bayesian approaches to multilevel modelling. On Day 1, we will begin by focusing on random effects multilevel models. These models make it clear how multilevel models are in fact models of models. In addition, random effects models serve as a solid basis for understanding mixed effects, i.e. fixed and random effects, models. In this coverage of random effects, we will also cover the important concepts of statistical shrinkage in the estimation of effects, as well as intraclass correlation. We then proceed to cover linear mixed effects models, particularly focusing on varying intercept and/or varying slopes regresssion models. On Day 2, we cover further aspects of linear mixed effects models, including multilevel models for nested and crossed data data, and group level predictor variables. On Day 2, we also cover Bayesian approaches to multilevel levels using the brms R package.
This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in using R for data science or statistics. R is widely used in all areas of academic scientific research, and also widely throughout the public, and private sector.
Last Up-Dated – 11:11:2021
Duration – Approx. 15 hours
ECT’s – Equal to 1 ECT’s
Language – English
This course will be largely practical, hands-on, and workshop based. For each topic, there will first be some lecture style presentation, i.e., using slides or blackboard, to introduce and explain key concepts and theories. Then, we will cover how to perform the various statistical analyses using R. Any code that the instructor produces during these sessions will be uploaded to a publicly available GitHub site after each session. For the breaks between sessions, and between days, optional exercises will be provided. Solutions to these exercises and brief discussions of them will take place after each break.
.Although not strictly required, using a large monitor or preferably even a second monitor will make the learning experience better, as you will be able to see my RStudio and your own RStudio simultaneously.
Any materials, such as slides, data sets, etc., will be shared via GitHub.
We will assume familiarity with general statistical concepts, linear models, statistical inference (p-values, confidence intervals, etc). Anyone who has taken undergraduate (Bachelor’s) level introductory courses on (applied) statistics can be assumed to have sufficient familiarity with these concepts.
Minimal prior experience with R and RStudio is required. Attendees should be familiar with some basic R syntax and commands, how to write code in the RStudio console and script editor, how to load up data from files, etc.
A laptop computer with a working version of R or RStudio is required. R and RStudio are both available as free and open source software for PCs, Macs, and Linux computers. R may be downloaded by following the links here https://www.r-project.org/. RStudio may be downloaded by following the links here: https://www.rstudio.com/.
All the R packages that we will use in this course will be possible to download and install during the workshop itself as and when they are needed, and a full list of required packages will be made available to all attendees prior to the course.
A working webcam is desirable for enhanced interactivity during the live sessions, we encourage attendees to keep their cameras on during live zoom sessions.
Although not strictly required, using a large monitor or preferably even a second monitor will improve he learning experience
PLEASE READ – CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations/refunds are accepted as long as the course materials have not been accessed,.
There is a 20% cancellation fee to cover administration and possible bank fess.
If you need to discuss cancelling please contact oliverhooker@prstatistics.com.
If you are unsure about course suitability, please get in touch by email to find out more oliverhooker@prstatistics.com
Day 1
Approx. 6 Hours
Topic 1: Random effects models. The defining feature of multilevel models is that they are models of models. We begin by using a binomial random effects model to illustrate this. Specifically, we show how multilevel models are models of the variability in models of different clusters or groups of data.
Topic 2: Normal random effects models. Normal, as in normal distribution, random effects models are the key to understanding the more general and widely used linear mixed effects models. Here, we also cover the key concepts of statistical shrinkage and intraclass correlation.
Topic 3: Linear mixed effects models. Next, we turn to multilevel linear models, also known as linear mixed effects models. We specifically deal with the cases of varying intercept and/or varying slope linear regression models.
Day 2
Approx. 6 Hours
Topic 4: Multilevel models for nested data. Here, we will consider multilevel linear models for nested, as in groups of groups, data. As an example, we will look at multilevel linear models applied to data from animals within broods that are themselves within different locations, and where we model the variability of effects across the broods and across the locations.
Topic 5: Multilevel models for crossed data. In some multilevel models, each observation occurs in multiple groups, but these groups are not nested. For example, animals may be members of different species and in different locations, but the species are not subsets of locations, nor vice versa. These are known as crossed or multiclass data structures.
Topic 6: Group level predictors. In some multilevel regression models, predictor variable are sometimes associated with individuals, and sometimes associated with their groups. In this section, we consider how to handle these two situations.
Topic 8: Bayesian multilevel models. All of the models that we have considered can be handled, often more easily, using Bayesian models. Here, we provide an brief introduction to Bayesian models and how to perform examples of the models that we have considered using Bayesian methods and the brms R package.
Works At
Senior Lecturer, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, England
Personal website
Google Scholar
Mark Andrews is a Senior Lecturer in the Psychology Department at Nottingham Trent University in Nottingham, England. Mark is a graduate of the National University of Ireland and obtained an MA and PhD from Cornell University in New York. Mark’s research focuses on developing and testing Bayesian models of human cognition, with particular focus on human language processing and human memory. Mark’s research also focuses on general Bayesian data analysis, particularly as applied to data from the social and behavioural sciences. Since 2015, he and his colleague Professor Thom Baguley have been funded by the UK’s ESRC funding body to provide intensive workshops on Bayesian data analysis for researchers in the social sciences.