Introduction to Mixed Modelling

Book excerpt: Mixed modelling is one of the most promising and exciting areas ofstatistical analysis, enabling more powerful interpretation of datathrough the recognition of random effects. However, many perceivemixed modelling as an intimidating and specialized technique. Thisbook introduces mixed modelling analysis in a simple andstraightforward way, allowing the reader to apply the techniqueconfidently in a wide range of situations. Introduction to Mixed Modelling shows that mixedmodelling is a natural extension of the more familiar statisticalmethods of regression analysis and analysis of variance. In doingso, it provides the ideal introduction to this importantstatistical technique for those engaged in the statistical analysisof data. This essential book: Demonstrates the power of mixed modelling in a wide range ofdisciplines, including industrial research, social sciences,genetics, clinical research, ecology and agriculturalresearch. Illustrates how the capabilities of regression analysis can becombined with those of ANOVA by the specification of a mixedmodel. Introduces the criterion of Restricted Maximum Likelihood(REML) for the fitting of a mixed model to data. Presents the application of mixed model analysis to a widerange of situations and explains how to obtain and interpret BestLinear Unbiased Predictors (BLUPs). Features a supplementary website containing solutions toexercises, further examples, and links to the computer softwaresystems GenStat and R. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to mixedmodelling, ideal for final year undergraduate students,postgraduate students and professional researchers alike. Readerswill come from a wide range of scientific disciplines includingstatistics, biology, bioinformatics, medicine, agriculture,engineering, economics, and social sciences.