2013 Pre-Conference Workshop

Pre-Conference Workshop: May 20, 2013- 9:00am-5:00pm

Multilevel SEM with Complex Applications
Kristopher Preacher

This workshop will introduce multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) as a general approach to fitting both simple and complex models to hierarchically structured data. After a brief review of structural equation modeling (SEM) and multilevel modeling (MLM), we will turn to the historical development of MSEM methods, important advantages of MSEM, and assessment of model fit in MSEM. Subsequently, the workshop will cover a variety of model specifications as special cases of MSEM. These will include: standard multilevel models, single-level structural equation models, multilevel exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, multilevel path analysis, multilevel structural models with latent variables, multilevel mediation analysis, and multilevel reliability estimation. Models will be presented in several formats — path diagrams, equations, and software syntax. Data and Mplus syntax for all of the examples will be provided. It is not required to bring Mplus on a laptop to attend the workshop — attendees will still benefit from a comprehensive set of slides, and syntax that they can take home and use later. Those who do bring a laptop with Mplus should be sure that they have the base package + the multilevel add-on or the base package + combination add on to be able to run the examples.

Pre-conference workshop schedule:

9:00 – 10:30: Session 1

  • Overview of Workshop
  • A little matrix algebra
  • Overview of SEM
  • Orientation to Mplus environment
  • SEM examples in Mplus
  • Overview of MLM

10:50 – 12:00: Session 2

  • MLM examples in Mplus
  • Overview of MSEM
  • General model of Muthén & Asparouhov

Implementation in Mplus

MSEM path diagram notation

12:00-1:30- LUNCH (on your own)

1:30 – 3:25: Session 3

Specific models w/ equations, syntax, + diagrams

  •             Univariate MLM
  •             Multivariate MLM
  •             Multilevel path analysis
  •             Multilevel CFA
  •             Interlude: Model fit in MSEM
  •             Multilevel EFA

3:40 – 5:00: Session 4

  • Specific models w/ equations, syntax, + diagrams (cont’d)
  • Multilevel SEM with latent variables
  • Multilevel mediation analysis
  • Advanced topics: Including, but not limited to:
    • Handling convergence problems
    • Power analysis using Monte Carlo approach
    • Testing variances, ICCs, correlations, and indirect effects
  • Other MSEM resources and Q/A

All participants in the pre-conference workshop and/or the general conference are invited to attend a welcome reception after the preconference workshop. The welcome reception will be held from 5:30-7:30pm in the Nathan Hale Inn, Mansfield Room.