Multilevel path analysis with observed variables

[laura]

Hi all,

I would like to perform a multilevel path analysis with observed variables, in which I have 2 continuous variables at level 2, 1 continuous mediator at level 1 and 1 continuous DV at level 1 (as depicted).

Is it possible to conduct this analysis in multilevel Lavaan? If so, can someone help me with the syntax? I'm not sure how to specify 'level:within' and especially 'level:between'. If not, can someone recommend another package or software that can manage this kind of path analysis?

model1 <- '

level: within

...

level:between

...'

Many thanks

[Terrence Jorgensen]

Your IVs can only explain Level 2 variance (i.e., differences in cluster means of the mediator), so you need to regress the mediator on them in the Level 2 model.  Your Level 1 model cannot include any Level-2 variables, but you can still model the M --> DV effect at both levels.

http://lavaan.ugent.be/tutorial/multilevel.html

model1 <- '

level: within
  DV ~ M

level: between
  DV ~ M
  M ~ IV1 + IV2
'

Terrence D. Jorgensen

Assistant Professor, Methods and Statistics

Research Institute for Child Development and Education, the University of Amsterdam

http://www.uva.nl/profile/t.d.jorgensen