2 level vs. single level imputation model

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zahra777
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Feb 03, 2014 1:39 am

2 level vs. single level imputation model

Post by zahra777 »

Dear experts,

Can I have a 2 level imputation model where I predict only covariates at Level 2 without using my level 1 variable ?

I have a 2 level repeated measure data structure. My level 1 variable is my dependent variable and it has missing values.
If I do not use my dependent variable ( level 1) to predict or be predicted by the level 2 variables, can I still have a 2 level imputation model or I am bound to have a single level imputation model? Can I still account for the multilevel structure of my data in my imputation model?

Many thanks
Zahra
Harvey Goldstein
Posts: 49
Joined: Sun Sep 06, 2009 5:30 pm

Re: 2 level vs. single level imputation model

Post by Harvey Goldstein »

If your model of interest is 2 level and you have missing values in the response then when imputing these you should run a 2 level imputation model.
zahra777
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Feb 03, 2014 1:39 am

Re: 2 level vs. single level imputation model

Post by zahra777 »

Thank you very much for your reply.

So, just to confirm, even though there is no level 1 variable in my imputation model, and all I am predicting is level 2 covariates, I can still use 2 level imputation model?

Many many thanks

Zahra
Harvey Goldstein
Posts: 49
Joined: Sun Sep 06, 2009 5:30 pm

Re: 2 level vs. single level imputation model

Post by Harvey Goldstein »

Strictly speaking you should set up a 2-level imputation model where any level 1 vbles in the MOI are responses (at level 1 in the imputation model).
Harvey Goldstein
zahra777
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Feb 03, 2014 1:39 am

Re: 2 level vs. single level imputation model

Post by zahra777 »

Thank you, but what if I can't use my level 1 variable in my imputation model?

My level 1 variable has missing values so it cannot be used as auxiliary variable.
My level 1 variable is my dependent variable and according to some school of thoughts, dependent variables should not be predicted in imputations.

How can I account for the multilevel structure of MOI when doing multiple imputation?

Greatly appreciate your reply.

Best regards,
Zahra
Harvey Goldstein
Posts: 49
Joined: Sun Sep 06, 2009 5:30 pm

Re: 2 level vs. single level imputation model

Post by Harvey Goldstein »

All variables in the MOI, whether responses or predictors do need to be in the imputation model.
zahra777
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Feb 03, 2014 1:39 am

Re: 2 level vs. single level imputation model

Post by zahra777 »

sorry for so many questions and thank you very much for replying,

So in other word, if I am using Realcom for multiple imputation, I have to use all my variables in MOI ( dependent and predictor variables) either as auxiliary or response?

And in my 2 level data structure, if I am not planning to predict missing values of my dependent variable in my imputation model, do I have to use single level multiple imputation? ( i.e. just at level 2? ) or even that would be wrong because my MOI has 2 levels?

Many thanks
Zahra
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