Spring 2019 PSQF 7375 Section 6: Longitudinal Multilevel Models

Planned Schedule of Events (Printable Syllabus; last updated 5/11/2019)

Schedule of Topics and Events:

The planned schedule of topics and events may need to be adjusted throughout the course. The online syllabus above will always have the most current schedule and course materials.

Course Objectives, Materials, and Pre-Requisites:

This course will illustrate the uses of multilevel models (i.e., general linear mixed-effect models, hierarchical linear models) for the analysis of longitudinal (and other repeated measures) data. The course is organized to take participants through each of the cumulative steps in a longitudinal analysis involving time-invariant predictors: deciding which type of model is appropriate, organizing the data and coding predictor variables, evaluating fixed and random effects and/or alternative covariance structures, predicting multiple sources of variation, and interpreting and presenting empirical findings. Class time will be devoted primarily to lectures and examples. Lecture materials will be available for download at the website above the day prior to class, or else paper copies can be requested. Video recordings of the class lectures will also be available online, but are not intended to take the place of class attendance. Selected book chapters and journal articles will be assigned for each specific topic as needed; the initial list of readings below may be updated. There will be no exams nor any required attendance outside class. However, because the course will have an applied focus requiring statistical software, instructor office hours will also be held in a group-based format, in which multiple participants will have (optional) opportunities to work on course assignments and receive immediate assistance in turn. Participants should be comfortable with estimating and interpreting general linear models (i.e., analysis of variance, regression) prior to enrolling in this course.

Course Requirements:

Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to 100 total points in this course. Up to 88 points can be earned from homework assignments (approximately 8 in total). Up to 12 points may be earned from submitting outside-of-class quizzes (approximately 6 in total). Please note there will also be an opportunity to earn up to 3 points of extra credit (labeled as homework 0; see the above syllabus). There may be other opportunities to earn extra credit at the instructor's discretion.

Policy on Late Homework Assignments and Incompletes:

In order to be able to provide the entire class with prompt feedback, late homework assignments will incur a 3-point penalty. However, extensions will be granted as needed for extenuating circumstances (e.g., conferences, comprehensive exams, family obligations) if requested at least two weeks in advance of the due date. Late or incomplete outside-of-class quizzes will incur a 1-point penalty when submitted. A final grade of “incomplete” will only be given in dire circumstances and entirely at the instructor's discretion.

Final grades will be determined according to the proportion earned of the total possible points:

>96 = A+, 93–96 = A, 90–92 = A−, 87–89 = B+, 83–86 = B, 80–82 = B−, 77–79 = C+, 73–76 = C, 70–72 = C−, 67–69 = D+, 63–66 = D, 60–62 = D−, <60 = F

Course Software:

Participants will also need to have access to software that can estimate the models presented. Although the course will feature SAS as its primary package, other software packages (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R) can also be used to complete homework assignments. These packages are freely available to University of Iowa members through the UIowa Virtual Desktop.

Course Textbook:

Hoffman, L. (2015). Longitudinal analysis: Modeling within-person fluctuation and change. New York, NY: Routledge Academic.

Other Course Readings (available via "Files" on Canvas):

Enders, C. K. (2010; chapters 3–5). Applied missing data analysis. New York, NY: Guilford.

Willett, J.B. (1989). Some results on reliability for the longitudinal measurement of change: Implications for the design of studies of individual growth. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 49, 587-602.

Academic Misconduct:

As a reminder, the University of Iowa College of Education has a formal policy on academic misconduct, which all students in this course are expected to follow. Please consult the instructor if you have questions.

Accommodating Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities or who have other special needs are encouraged to contact the instructor for a confidential discussion of their individual needs for academic accommodation.

Respect for Diversity:

It is my intent that students from ALL backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome and encouraged to participate in this course. There is no such thing as a “stupid” question. All course participants—enrolled students and auditors—should always feel welcome to ask whatever questions will be helpful in helping them understand and follow the course content. You may do so during class, in office hours, over email, or in individual appointments with the instructor (available by request).

Respect for The Rest of Your World:

The instructor realizes that this course is not your only obligation in your work or your life. If work or life events (expected or unexpected) may compromise your ability to succeed in this course, PLEASE contact the instructor for a confidential discussion (in person or over email, as you prefer) so that we can work together to make a plan for your success. Please do not wait to do so until you are too far behind to catch up!