Robust variance estimators for fixed-effect estimates with hierarchical-likelihood

Abstract

In longitudinal studies, robust sandwich variance estimators are often used, and are especially useful when model assumptions are in doubt. However, the usual sandwich estimator does not allow for models with crossed random effects. The hierarchical likelihood extends the idea of the sandwich estimator to models not currently covered. By simulation studies, we show that the new sandwich estimator is robust against heteroscedastic errors and against misspecification of overdispersion in the y v v component.