Thinking and Modeling at Multiple Levels: the Potential Contribution of Multilevel Modeling to Communication Theory and Research

In this introduction to the special issue on applications of multilevel modeling (MLM) to communication research, we provide a conceptual overview of the benefits of MLM-the ability to simultaneously analyze data collected at multiple levels, the ease with which it can be used to assess trends and change over time, and its incorporation of the nested structure of data in the estimation process. We highlight ways in which MLM can be used to further theory and research in communication. In addition, we comment on the applications of MLM highlighted in this special issue and echo past calls for more multilevel theorizing and analysis in the field of communication.

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