Chapter 13: Using Large-Scale Complex Sample Datasets in Multilevel Modeling

Researchers recently exposed to instruction in multilevel modeling techniques often hunt for data with which to wield their newfound knowledge and skills. This chapter can be used as a starting point in a search for appropriate data for example analyses and to support research utilizing large-scale complex samples. We focus on data available from the National Center for Education Statistics ([NCES], 2018). Because most of the data collected by NCES is obtained through complex sampling procedures, we first introduce the reader to basic issues in sampling theory, including the concepts of multistage sampling, stratification, and disproportionate selection. Second, we provide detailed descriptions of two popular publicly available datasets that might be useful to build examples of multilevel models.