MLwiN
Encyclopedia
MLwiN is a statistical software package for fitting multilevel model
s. It uses both maximum likelihood
estimation and Markov Chain Monte Carlo
(MCMC) methods. MLwiN is based on an earlier package, MLn
, but with a graphical user interface
(as well as other additional features).
MLwiN represents multilevel models using mathematical notation
including Greek letters and multiple subscripts, so the user needs to be (or become) familiar with such notation.
For a tutorial introduction to multilevel models and their applications in medical statistics
illustrated using MLwiN, see Goldstein et al.
Multilevel model
Multilevel models are statistical models of parameters that vary at more than one level...
s. It uses both maximum likelihood
Maximum likelihood
In statistics, maximum-likelihood estimation is a method of estimating the parameters of a statistical model. When applied to a data set and given a statistical model, maximum-likelihood estimation provides estimates for the model's parameters....
estimation and Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Markov chain Monte Carlo
Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are a class of algorithms for sampling from probability distributions based on constructing a Markov chain that has the desired distribution as its equilibrium distribution. The state of the chain after a large number of steps is then used as a sample of the...
(MCMC) methods. MLwiN is based on an earlier package, MLn
MLN
Modern Language Notes is an academic journal established in 1886 at the Johns Hopkins University, where it is still edited and published, with the intention of introducing continental European literary criticism into American scholarship. Each year, one issue is devoted to each of the four...
, but with a graphical user interface
Graphical user interface
In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...
(as well as other additional features).
MLwiN represents multilevel models using mathematical notation
Mathematical notation
Mathematical notation is a system of symbolic representations of mathematical objects and ideas. Mathematical notations are used in mathematics, the physical sciences, engineering, and economics...
including Greek letters and multiple subscripts, so the user needs to be (or become) familiar with such notation.
For a tutorial introduction to multilevel models and their applications in medical statistics
Medical statistics
Medical statistics deals with applications of statistics to medicine and the health sciences, including epidemiology, public health, forensic medicine, and clinical research...
illustrated using MLwiN, see Goldstein et al.