Two-level Hierarchical Linear Model Research Articles

머신러닝과 HLM을 적용한 중학생의 자기조절 학습전략 중 행동조절에 대한 학생/부모와 교사/학교 수준의 영향요인 검증

Objectives This study focuses on behavioral regulation, the most effectively teachable aspect of self-regulated learning strategies, with the aim of exploratively identifying the factors that influence behavioral regulation in first-year middle school students. Specifically, using multilevel analysis, the study examines not only individual characteristics and parental factors but also teacher and school characteristics, in order to explore potential intervention points at different levels within the home and school environments. Methods Using data from the first year of the Seoul Educational Longitudinal Study of Students 2020, excluding missing values, a total of 4,615 middle school students from 98 schools were analyzed, along with 206 student/parent-level and 188 teacher/school-level explanatory variables selected through data pre-processing. Machine learning techniques, capable of handling multiple variables simultaneously in the model, were employed to identify algorithms with excellent performance in predicting self-regulated learning attitudes at the student/parent level (Level 1) and the teacher/school level (Level 2). The key variables for predicting self-regulated learning attitudes identified at each level were then verified using a two-level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). Results First, based on the top three algorithms at each level, 10 key variables were derived at the student/parent level and 5 key variables at the teacher/school level. Second, the application of the two-level HLM revealed that learning methods and efforts, growth mindset, goal orientation, human rights, support from academic and career programs, and cognitive empathy at the student/parent level, and the proportion of multicultural students at the teacher/school level, significantly influenced self-regulated learning strategies. Conclusions Based on these results, specific strategies to enhance self-regulated learning attitudes among middle school students were discussed.

“There’s no good, it’s just satisfactory”: perfectionism, performance, and perfectionistic reactivity in NCAA student-athletes

ABSTRACT Perfectionistic reactivity is a characteristic style of responding to adversity that elicits a bio-psychosocial response. Those with elevated levels of perfectionistic tendencies are thought to react disproportionately in the face of successes or failures. The present two-study paper was designed to understand the role of perfectionism in predicting season-long performance in collegiate golf while also gaining insight into NCAA student-athletes’ lived experiences of perfectionism and reactivity. In Study 1, self-report measures of perfectionism were collected from 46 NCAA golf student-athletes. Tournament scores were then recorded over the NCAA’s 12-week competitive season. Data were examined using a two-level hierarchical linear model to test the moderating effect of perfectionism on student-athlete hole-over-hole performance across an entire season. In Study 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six student-athletes from the Study 1 sample who had self-reported high levels of perfectionistic strivings and concerns. Data were examined utilizing reflexive thematic analysis. Collectively, findings suggest that there is still work to be done to wholly understand the influence of perfectionism on sporting performance. However, athletes revealed during interviews that they experience perfectionistic reactivity through a multitude of biopsychosocial dimensions related to affect, behaviour, and cognition. Findings will allow future scholars to examine different measures of perfectionism across different performance intervals while considering the conceptual and empirical underpinnings of perfectionistic reactivity. Furthermore, future research could be designed to understand the specific circumstances under which specific thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are experienced in relation to perfectionistic reactivity.

Imbalances in Two-Level Hierarchical Linear Modeling of Single-Case Data: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study

Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) is a promising approach that can be applied to explain variability in intervention effectiveness between participants in single-case experimental design (SCED) research. This approach allows the inclusion of participant characteristics as moderators to account for variability in intervention effectiveness. However, little is known about the performance of HLM for analysis with the inclusion of imbalanced intervention starting points and imbalanced moderators. Therefore, the goal of this study is to empirically evaluate the statistical properties of this model through a large-scale Monte Carlo simulation study under these scenarios. The results indicate that imbalanced intervention starting points have no impact on the statistical properties of estimating intervention effects. On the other hand, imbalanced moderators have an impact on estimating the intervention and moderator. How the conditions of imbalanced moderators influence the performance of two-level HLM depends on how the moderators are coded. Two general conclusions can be made. The model results in more favorable statistical properties when (i) a larger number of participants are included and (ii) the variability in continuous moderators is larger. Practical implications for the design and analysis of SCEDs are discussed.

Optic nerve elongation during fronto-facial surgery for Crouzon syndrome: 3D quantification and clinical implications.

Fronto-facial monobloc advancement with internal distraction (FFMBA) is a key procedure in the management of syndromic craniosynostoses. FFMBA involves circumferential dissection and linear enlargement of the orbit, potentially leading to mechanical stress on the optic nerve (ON). Several reports of transient vision loss during the distraction process led us to investigate ON shape modifications during facial advancement, with the aim to potentially refine current clinical guidelines on postoperative management and the distraction schedule. Twenty-six patients with Crouzon syndrome were included in this study. ONs were segmented on pre- and postoperative CT scans. Distraction amplitudes, linear and curved lengths, and cross-section diameters of the ON were assessed along the main axis of the nerve. A two-level hierarchical multivariate linear model was used to screen for factors associated with ON morphology. The mean age at FFMBA was 4.4 ± 3.8 years. Two patients presented with transient impaired vision during distraction. The final mean fronto-orbital and temporo-zygomatic distraction amplitudes were 18 ± 4 mm and 18 ± 6 mm, respectively. At the end of distraction, ONs were elongated (+1.8 mm for curved lengths, p = 0.013), and their mean cross-section was reduced (-1.9 mm2, p < 0.001) in the proximal intraorbital portion (first 15 mm). In the 2 patients with visual symptoms, functional impairment was associated with ON area reduction (OR 0.487, p < 0.001) and increased temporo-zygomatic distraction amplitude (OR 2.240, p < 0.001). ON was elongated during FFMBA, with proximal diameter reduction. Transient visual impairment with normal fundus examination during distraction seemed to have a morphological basis, based on 2 cases. These results suggest the importance of vision monitoring associated with fundus examination during distraction, and advocate for early extubation after FFMBA to allow clinical follow-up.

The cloak of equality in STEM education: institutionalised masking of gender differences in STEM expectations, task values, and participation

ABSTRACT Do gender parity and egalitarian values in STEM education mask institutionalised gender inequalities in STEM? This study uses student background questionnaire data from the 2015 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) supplemented by national level data on gender parity in educational enrolment and female participation in the STEM workforce from the United Nations and International Labor Organization to empirically examine the evidence. Using two-level hierarchical linear models, we analyse the effects of students’ STEM expectancies and task values on their anticipated STEM education and career participation. Results confirm that gender equity and egalitarian values dominate the cross-national expectancies and task values for STEM education, both across genders as well as for female and male students separately, even though there is wide variation and significant gendered inequality that persists in both educational access and STEM workforce participation. Thus, the ‘cloak of equality’ hypothesis is supported by the evidence presented.

Developing career-related skills through project-based learning

In the future world of work, problem-solving skills will continue to be important assets for youths. The present study tested the effectiveness of a 16-week and an additional 5-week project-based learning program designed for improving problem-solving skills. Data were collected from 97 youth (Mage = 23.03), who participated in the program, using three different sources of assessment (i.e., self, peer, rater) and two methods of measurement (i.e., survey questionnaires, task performance). A two-level hierarchical linear model was applied to data. Results from self-reports showed that problem-solving skills increased after 16-week participation, but no extra improvement was found by participating in an additional 5-week booster program. When using peers’ and raters’ reports, the participants’ skills also significantly improved throughout the 16-week program. The implications of the findings on theory are discussed.

Category–level drivers of the market share–rank power law relationship

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze variations in the parameters of the market share–rank power law across consumer packaged goods (CPG) categories.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a two-level hierarchical linear model to examine the relationships between category-level variables and the parameters of the market share–rank power law in 790 CPG categories.FindingsThe slope of the market share–rank power law is shallower – indicating more equal market shares – in categories of high importance to retailers and those with high levels of promotional activity or high-volume purchases. Higher levels of market share inequality are associated with categories with high overall prices.Research limitations/implicationsTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to show the systematic influence of category characteristics on the relationship between brands’ market shares and their ranks, thus, identifying a key moderator for this important empirical generalization in marketing.Practical implicationsWhile market leadership may be a desirable goal for many brands, the corresponding market share at the top brand does vary. Moreover, the share premium for being number one in the category (gap between the top and other highly ranked brands) can be greatly affected by retailers’ strategies. In addition, the slope of the power law has desirable qualities as a measure of market concentration. However, the empirical study shows that category characteristics must be considered when analyzing differences in concentration across categories or time.Originality/valueWhile other studies document variations in the market share–rank power law relationship, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first that models these variations as a function of observable category characteristics. The comprehensive nature of the data demonstrates the universality of the market share–rank power law relationship across CPG categories in the USA.

Do Initiator Characteristics Impact Member Decision: A Study of Online Group Buying in Taiwan

Abstract In recent years, online group buying has rapidly become popular and has become an important part of Internet users’ social life and shopping activities. The current study sought to examine the relationships between members and initiators in such online group buying website using a number of variables to describe the initiators and the members. Based on sample of 688 members and 61 initiators in online group buying website, the research demonstrated the use of a two-level hierarchical linear modeling to examine the relationships of online group buying initiator and members, appropriately adjusted for a nested structure. The results indicated that members who engage in higher levels of purchase intention in online group buying are more likely to find initiators who have ability and respond to the members. To sum up, initiator characteristics affects the initiator reputation and member’s trust to initiator. Moreover, initiator reputation and member’s trust positively affect member purchase intention. Keywords: Online group buying, Characteristics, Trust, Reputation, Purchase intention

Do Initiator Characteristics Impact Member Decision: A Study of Online Group Buying in Taiwan

Abstract In recent years, online group buying has rapidly become popular and has become an important part of Internet users’ social life and shopping activities. The current study sought to examine the relationships between members and initiators in such online group buying website using a number of variables to describe the initiators and the members. Based on sample of 688 members and 61 initiators in online group buying website, the research demonstrated the use of a two-level hierarchical linear modeling to examine the relationships of online group buying initiator and members, appropriately adjusted for a nested structure. The results indicated that members who engage in higher levels of purchase intention in online group buying are more likely to find initiators who have ability and respond to the members. To sum up, initiator characteristics affects the initiator reputation and member’s trust to initiator. Moreover, initiator reputation and member’s trust positively affect member purchase intention. Keywords: Online group buying, Characteristics, Trust, Reputation, Purchase intention

Managing the quality of primary health care in urban China: the impact of organizational and physician features.

Global health care quality improvement efforts have focussed on management practices. However, knowledge in primary care settings, especially in developing countries, such as China, is lacking. To examine the organizational and physician features associated with health care quality in China's community health centres (CHCs). We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 224 primary care physicians (PCPs) in 38 CHCs in Jinan, Tianjin, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. Clinical and prevention care quality with a 5-level scale (1 = never, 5 = always) reported by the PCPs were used to measure the quality of care. Two-level hierarchical linear models were estimated to examine the organization and physician-level variables associated with primary care quality. The average clinical care quality score was 4.08 and 3.59 for preventative care out of 5. At the organizational level, organizational culture and organizational support were the strongest predictors of physician-reported quality of care. At the physician level, professional fulfilment, psychological safety, and organizational citizenship behaviour were positively associated with care quality. Chinese CHCs clinical quality ranked high by PCPs, but the quality of preventative care provision required improvement. To improve primary care quality, managers of CHCs should implement optimal organizational structures, supportive organizational cultures, and strong organizational support at the organization level and cultivate high professional fulfilment, safe, and trustful relationships with colleagues at the physician level.

Longitudinal brain volumetrics in glioma survivors.

Radiation therapy (RT) is used selectively for patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) given the concerns for potential cognitive effects in survivors, but prior cognitive outcome studies among LGG survivors have had inconsistent findings. Translational studies that characterize changes in brain anatomy and physiology after treatment of LGG may help to both contextualize cognitive findings and improve the overall understanding of radiation effects in normal brain tissue. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that patients with LGG who are treated with RT will experience greater brain volume loss than those who do not receive RT. This retrospective longitudinal study included all patients with WHO grade 2 glioma who received posttreatment surveillance MRI at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Volumetric analysis of contralateral cortical white matter (WM), cortical gray matter (GM), and hippocampus was performed on all posttreatment T1-weighted MRI sequences using the SynthSeg script. The effect of clinical and treatment variables on brain volumes was assessed using two-level hierarchical linear models. The final study cohort consisted of 105 patients with 1974 time points analyzed. The median length of imaging follow-up was 4.6 years (range 0.36-18.9 years), and the median number of time points analyzed per patient was 12 (range 2-40). Resection was performed in 79 (75.2%) patients, RT was administered to 61 (58.1%) patients, and chemotherapy was administered to 66 (62.9%) patients. Age at diagnosis (β = -0.06, p < 0.001) and use of RT (β = -1.12, p = 0.002) were associated with the slope of the contralateral cortical GM volume model (i.e., change in GM over time). Age at diagnosis (β = -0.08, p < 0.001), midline involvement (β = 1.31, p = 0.006), and use of RT (β = -1.45, p = 0.001) were associated with slope of the contralateral cortical WM volume model. Age (β = -0.0027, p = 0.001), tumor resection (β = -0.069, p < 0.001), use of chemotherapy (β = -0.0597, p = 0.003), and use of RT (β = -0.0589, p < 0.001) were associated with the slope of the contralateral hippocampus volume model. This study demonstrated volume loss in contralateral brain structures among LGG survivors, and patients who received RT experienced greater volume loss than those who did not. The results of this study may help to provide context for cognitive outcome research in LGG survivors and inform the design of future strategies to preserve cognition.

Development of Alternative Thinking Strategy Curriculum Design to Improve Academic, Social and Emotional Competence

The majority of curriculum designs focus on academic competencies, and only very few curricular are designed that not only improve academic abilities but also improve students' social emotional and psychological competencies. In this research, the researcher designed an alternative thinking strategy curriculum and investigated its impact in improving students' social emotional competence, psychological health and academic competence. Quasi-experiment design was used involving 30 secondary schools who participated in the study. The research sample was divided into two groups, a control and experimental group, from a random cluster. The experimental group received the alternative thinking strategy curriculum (15 schools) and the control group followed the regular national curriculum (15 schools). The subjects investigated are science and language. Two-level hierarchical linear model analysis was used to investigate the impact of an alternative thinking strategies curriculum. Findings of this research show that alternative thinking strategy curriculum design is not only able to improve students’ social and emotional competence, but is also able to increase students' academic achievements. This can be seen in the average increase in student academic achievement and better student attitudes compared to students in the control group who received the national curriculum intervention. The most superior in providing an impact on each aspect is the cluster with medium frequency or the second cluster (C2). Another cluster shows that the implementation of the alternative thinking strategy curriculum is less than optimal regarding aspects of suitability, quality, responsiveness and reach of the curriculum. This is due to differences in the duration of implementation time. This alternative thinking strategy curriculum design also needs to consider students' cultural aspects related to geographic location. This is important to do as content for intervention in improving students' social and emotional competence.

What factors are related to the socioeconomic gaps in school achievement between boys and girls in Bogotá, Colombia?

Debate on student achievement, as measured by performance on national and international assessments, has gained worldwide attention because of its relationship to social and economic development. As such, multilateral organizations such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have recommended that countries intensify current investments in education to improve school quality and reduce achievement gaps if they wish to boost equity and attain sustainable growth. This paper looks at the relationship between socioeconomic disparities and student achievement in a standardized test administered in 2017 to 5th grade students in Bogotá, Colombia. By using a two-level hierarchical linear model, it is possible to estimate not only the relationship between individual characteristics of the students (sociodemographic information) and performance on the test, but also account for the effect of the characteristics of the schools that they attend. Findings indicate that lengthening the school day, possession of washing machines, and parental education are key predictors of academic achievement.

Os fatores associados dos alunos do ensino fundamental e médio no Equador: análise do ciclo de avaliação Ser Estudiante 2020-2021

This article analyzes the influence of personal and family factors on academic success in students of General Basic Education (EGB) and General Unified High School (BGU) in Ecuador during the evaluation "Ser Estu-diante (SEST) cycle 2020 - 2021". The SEST assessment evaluates knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes of Ecuadorian students. It also deploys questionnaires of associated factors that construct social, cultural and economic variables of families, teachers and the environment of educational institutions. A two-level hierar-chical linear model is used to measure the impact of the factors associated with school performance. In sum, personal and family environment factors, in which students develop, are elements that contribute to improve their school performance.

Morphological Complexity in Writing: Implications for Writing Quality and Patterns of Change.

The current study examined (a) the relation between morphologically complex word (MCW) use (words containing at least one derivational morpheme such as prefixes and suffixes) and teachers' ratings of writing quality, (b) average change in MCW use in writing across the school year, and (c) differential change in MCW among students with varying language abilities and linguistic backgrounds including students with developmental language disorders (DLDs) and multilingual learners (MLs). Expository writing samples (writing for the purpose of explaining or educating) were collected in October and May from 824 fifth-grade students, including 109 with DLD and 170 who were MLs receiving English as a second language service. Students' written responses were coded for the use of MCW. Pearson product-moment correlations and two-level hierarchical linear models were employed to investigate the association between MCW usage and writing quality, as well as increases in MCW usage over the course of the academic year, taking into account the nested structure of students within classrooms. The relation between students' MCW use and teachers' writing quality ratings was moderately strong (r = .47). Student use of MCW in expository writing showed significant change from fall to spring across all students. However, the amount of change in MCW use across the school year was significantly lower for MLs (effect size [ES] = .09) and students identified with DLD (ES = .10). The relation between MCW use and teachers' writing quality ratings highlights the utility of MCW as a written language measure for progress monitoring or assessment. The presence of differential change and potential Matthew effects for MLs and students with DLD substantiates the need for further exploration of instructional components that support the increased use of complex vocabulary.

Examining factors influencing students to leave science classes in Cambodia: a two-level hierarchical linear modeling

Cambodian upper secondary education is divided into two tracks: science and social science. Students make their track selection in grade 10 and begin their enrollment in grade 11. The enrollment in the science track has witnessed a steep decline from 96% in 2014 to 34% in 2020, while the enrollment in the social science track has seen a remarkable surge from 4% in 2014 to 66% in 2020. This tendency poses a significant challenge to the government’s endeavors aimed at promoting workforces in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This survey study aimed to examine factors influencing students to leave science-track classes. The survey was administered to 696 grade-12 students from 20 upper secondary schools. The two-level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that at the individual level, age, ease of national examination, high passing rates, preference for good grades, expense on private tutoring, STEM major choices at the territory level, attitudes toward science, parental advice, and family income significantly influenced students’ decision to opt for social science track over science track. At the school level, school location was a significant predictor of track choices. The findings were discussed with practical implications to improve enrollment in the science track at Cambodian upper secondary schools.

Sexual Violence in Public Schools in the United States

ABSTRACT In the United States, sexual violence in K–12 public schools saw a 55% increase in incidents from the 2015–2016 school year to the 2017–2018 school year. These incidents included sexual violence by school employees against students and peers against other peers. The current study estimated the overall weighted average number of sexual assault/sexual battery, rapes/attempted rapes, and overall sexual violence within districts and across the states using the 2017–2018 data gathered by the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC). The two-level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) results showed that the average number of incidents of sexual assault/sexual battery per district across states was 3.74, with a variance of 61.81 per district within the states. The average variability in the average incidents of sexual assault/sexual battery between the states was 265. Finally, future studies should use moderators to explain the variations in sexual violence within and across states.

Learning and teaching strategies as related to language arts in China: A heterogeneity study

Based on data from a large-scale assessment of school quality in China, this study examined the differences in the impact of learning and teaching strategies on the students’ academic achievements between elementary and middle schools. Two-level hierarchical linear models and coarsened exact matching revealed three major findings: (a) Cognitive, meta-cognitive, and inquiry-based learning strategies were significant predictors of students’ academic achievements, and the effect sizes of these strategies were larger in middle schools; (b) Individualized instruction, participatory instruction, and guided inquiry teaching strategies were significant predictors of students’ achievements, and the effect sizes of these strategies were larger in elementary schools; (c) Overall teaching strategies significantly improved learning strategies, and the effects were greater in elementary schools. These findings call for more research on learning/teaching strategies to improve students' academic performance.

A WHOLE-HEALTH MODEL OF CARE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND RACIAL JUSTICE

Abstract Whole health models of care aim to coordinate care across sectors, address the needs of older adults with multiple chronic conditions, and promote health equity. The FlourishCare team will present data on the effectiveness of a whole health model, the FlourishCare Model (FCM), serving 159 older adults with multiple chronic conditions, using a two-level longitudinal design and hierarchical linear modeling to test a multilevel growth model. The results showed significant growth in total FlourishCare Index (FCI) scores over time for individual health behaviors, healthcare access, and social determinants. Biological determinants showed significant growth only for rural patients. The FCM was able to support patients with lower education attainment to improve at a higher rate than those with higher education attainment, both for the total score on the FCI and for healthcare access. The FCM was also able to support rural patients at a higher rate than urban patients to gain access to healthcare, and it supported Hispanic patients the most in improving their social determinants of health. The study demonstrates the importance of a whole health approach to care, which focuses on what matters most to patients, particularly older adults who place importance on quality-of-life outcomes. The study also shows how a whole health approach can address health equity by accelerating the flourishing of rural, Hispanic patients with lower educational attainment, promoting social and racial justice.

Why female students leave science classes for social science classes in Cambodia: A two-level hierarchical linear model

ABSTRACT The decline of females in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields has drawn global discourse among researchers and policymakers, including Cambodia. At Cambodian upper secondary schools, female students’ enrolment rates in science classes dramatically decreased from 97% in 2014–42% in 2019. In contrast, female students’ enrolment rates in social science classes significantly increased from 4% in 2014–58% in 2019. This study aimed to examine factors influencing female students to leave science classes at upper secondary schools. It included 421 female grade-12 students from 20 secondary schools as samples. Due to the nested structure of the data, the two-level hierarchical linear model (HLM) was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that ease of national examination, high passing rates, pursuits for grades, attitudes toward science, and financial burden of private tutoring significantly influenced female students to opt for social science classes over science classes. Female students had no intention to pursue STEM majors and reported that their parents advised them not to involve in science. The findings were discussed with a call for policy implications and improved practices at the school level to promote female students’ enrolment in science classes in Cambodia.