Exam 21: Multilevel Linear Models

Suppose that you are interested in player attitudes towards a new coach at a given sports club. Measures were taken at different time points, the first being baseline (just before the coach started), the second after 6 months and the third after a year. What models could be applied to the data to express change in player attitude? (You may choose more than one option.)

A covariance structure needs to be applied to multilevel modelling when there are random effects or repeated measures incorporated into the design. These are important as they provide an estimate of the model parameters, but what happens if you apply a covariance structure that is too simple?

Suppose you were interested in the effect of parental influence (x-axis) on a child's confidence (y-axis) when playing rugby. In addition, you examine the coach's qualifications . What will be the most likely appearance of the intercept and slope?

Which of the following would not be expected to change with time?

Suppose you were interested in the development of player confidence when exposed to structured coaching sessions. What is the name of the model that examines the rate of development or change in a given variable (e.g. confidence)?

A researcher wanted to investigate the confidence levels of athletes in different athletics clubs. In addition, he wanted to see whether the athletes' coaches had an influence and whether this varied from country to country. How many levels would be involved in this analysis?

What is the minimum number of levels required to perform a multilevel linear analysis?

Still using the same example, which of the following statements is correct? (You may select more than one option.)

Which of the following descriptions best applies to this graph?

Which of the following descriptions best applies to this graph?

What is the purpose of multilevel linear analysis?

Based on the example above, how many rows are required (in data view) for each individual surveyed in this study for a multilevel analysis to be conducted in SPSS?

Which of the following is not a form of polynomial curve?

Where would you position the club (i.e. what level) in the model of Q3?

If a lack of linearity is identified as an issue, how might you address this?

Group mean centring is a useful way to prevent multicollinearity, but how is it usually calculated?

Sports and exercise science related research frequently uses small sample groups. Therefore, when applying a multilevel analysis technique it is necessary to calculate the log-likelihood value. SPSS produces four versions of the calculation, but which of the following would be most appropriate to use when sample sizes are small?

The UK coaching pyramids in rugby essentially have five levels, with level 1 introducing individuals to coaching, whilst level 5 is tailored for those working at professional clubs or international teams. How would you describe the effects if all five levels were analysed?

What is a second-order polynomial also known as?

Based on a multilevel analysis, a chi-square value of 7.05 was obtained at one degree of freedom. What could be concluded from this finding?