title: The use of multilevel modeling and the level two residual file to explore the relationship between middle years programme student performance and diploma programme student performance.
abstract: Multilevel modeling has recently found a substantial niche in the context of educational research, although several details about the methodological application of these models have yet to be explored in an achievement data framework. This paper makes use of data provided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) in order to investigate modeling decisions and certain applications of the level two residual file in an effort to increase understanding about the way linear and logistic multilevel models function. The focus of this research is on the relationship between performances in two IB programmes: the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The impact of predictors on the interpretation of the unconditional and conditional variance-covariance matrix as well as the reliability coefficients is discussed. Empirical findings suggest that students who perform better during MYP moderation tend to perform better on DP exams.
authors.affiliation: International Baccalaureate, 7501 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 200 West, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States. Electronic address: Melissa.Gordon@ibo.org.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.affiliation: International Baccalaureate, 7501 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 200 West, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States. Electronic address: lbergeron@uwlax.edu.
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bergeron
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Conditional error covariance; Contextual effects; Multilevel modeling; Reliability coefficients; Tau matrix; Unconditional error covariance