An EM algorithm for the estimation of parametric and nonparametric hierarchical nonlinear models |
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Authors: | Jeroen K. Vermunt |
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Affiliation: | Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg |
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Abstract: | It is shown how to implement an EM algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation of hierarchical nonlinear models for data sets consisting of more than two levels of nesting. This upward–downward algorithm makes use of the conditional independence assumptions implied by the hierarchical model. It cannot only be used for the estimation of models with a parametric specification of the random effects, but also to extend the two-level nonparametric approach – sometimes referred to as latent class regression – to three or more levels. The proposed approach is illustrated with an empirical application. |
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Keywords: | nonlinear random-effects model nonlinear mixed model multilevel analysis latent class analysis finite mixture model latent class regression maximum likelihood estimation |
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