Longitudinal Analysis: Modeling Within-Person Fluctuation and Change(Multivariate Applications Series)

Longitudinal Analysis provides an accessible, application-oriented treatment of introductory and advanced linear models for within-person fluctuation and change. Organized by research design and data type, the text uses in-depth examples to provide a complete description of the model-building process. The core longitudinal models and their extensions are presented within a multilevel modeling framework, paying careful attention to the modeling concerns that are unique to longitudinal data. Written in a conversational style, the text provides verbal and visual interpretation of model equations to aid in their translation to empirical research results. Overviews and summaries, boldfaced key terms, and review questions will help readers synthesize the key concepts in each chapter. Written for non-mathematically-oriented readers, this text features: A description of the data manipulation steps required prior to model estimation so readers can more easily apply the steps to their own data An emphasis on how the terminology, interpretation, and estimation of familiar general linear models relates to those of more complex models for longitudinal data Integrated model comparisons, effect sizes, and statistical inference in each example to strengthen readers’ understanding of the overall model-building process Sample results sections for each example to provide useful templates for published reports Examples using both real and simulated data in the text, along with syntax and output for SPSS, SAS, STATA, and Mplus at www.PilesOfVariance.com to help readers apply the models to their own data The book opens with the building blocks of longitudinal analysis—general ideas, the general linear model for between-person analysis, and between- and within-person models for the variance and the options within repeated measures analysis of variance. Section 2 introduces unconditional longitudinal models including alternative covariance structure models to describe within-person fluctuation over time and random effects models for within-person change. Conditional longitudinal models are presented in section 3, including both time-invariant and time-varying predictors. Section 4 reviews advanced applications, including alternative metrics of time in accelerated longitudinal designs, three-level models for multiple dimensions of within-person time, the analysis of individuals in groups over time, and repeated measures designs not involving time. The book concludes with additional considerations and future directions, including an overview of sample size planning and other model extensions for non-normal outcomes and intensive longitudinal data. Class-tested at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and in intensive summer workshops, this is an ideal text for graduate-level courses on longitudinal analysis or general multilevel modeling taught in psychology, human development and family studies, education, business, and other behavioral, social, and health sciences. The book’s accessible approach will also help those trying to learn on their own. Only familiarity with general linear models (regression, analysis of variance) is needed for this text.

Table of Contents:
Section 1: Building Blocks for Longitudinal Analysis 1. Introduction to the Analysis of Longitudinal Data 2. Between-Person Analysis and Interpretation of Interactions 3. Introduction to Within-Person Analysis and Model Comparisons Section 2: Modeling the Effects of Time 4. Describing Within-Person Fluctuation over Time 5. Introduction to Random Effects of Time and Model Estimation 6. Describing Within-Person Change over Time Section 3: Modeling the Effects of Predictors 7. Time-Invariant Predictors in Longitudinal Models 8. Time-Varying Predictors in Models of Within-Person Fluctuation 9. Time-Varying Predictors in Models of Within-Person Change Section 4: Advanced Applications 10. Analysis over Alternative Metrics and Multiple Dimensions of Time 11. Analysis of Individuals within Groups over Time 12. Analysis of Repeated Measures Designs Not Involving Time 13. Additional Considerations and Related Models

About the Author :
Lesa Hoffman is the Scientific Director of the Research Design and Analysis Unit and Associate Professor of Quantitative Methods in the Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies at the University of Kansas.

Review :
"This book will fill the void for a complete, accessible text on longitudinal data analysis. ... The writing style is conversational and non-threatening. ... The author walks the readers through the examples in a way that makes them easy to follow. ... To have a single book that covers the complete topic of multilevel modelling related to longitudinal analysis would be exactly what I would need for my multilevel modelling course." – Michael J. Rovine, Penn State University, USA "I would definitely … recommend it as required reading in the longitudinal analysis course. … It addresses in an accessible way, so many of the questions that non-statisticians and researchers new to longitudinal analysis ask or should ask. I have no doubt that this book will make a significant contribution to the field. I have been waiting many years for a book like this!" – Andrea Piccinin, University of Victoria, Canada "This book fills a gap by being more accessible than just about any other book on the topic. … [It] provides a thorough introductory treatment that will be accessible to students, while also serving as a good reference text for more experienced users. … Hoffman shows that these complex models are within the reach of any student or researcher with a basic knowledge of regression." – Kristopher Preacher, Vanderbilt University, USA "Dr. Hoffman offers a highly informative, comprehensive and accessible book that will be very useful to students and researchers interested in modeling multilevel and longitudinal data. The writing is very clear, incorporating necessary methodological details while using an understandable application approach." - Lisa L. Harlow, University of Rhode Island, USA