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Referent-aligned multilevel analysis of relationship measures

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Description

Because relationship items differ in their referents — dyadic ("I like my teacher"), plural ("this teacher likes us"), or averaged ("I like my teachers") — the referent should determine the level at which analysis takes place. The review states that "Where referents are plural or averaged, analyses should be multilevel to account for shared group-level variance and ensure appropriate interpretation". This matters because implications for practice and intervention differ depending on whether individual relationships, multiple relationships, or classroom culture is being addressed.

Accounts

  • Match the level of analysis to the referents used in relationship measurement items, using multilevel analyses for plural or averaged referents: Because relationship items differ in their referents — dyadic ("I like my teacher"), plural ("this teacher likes us"), or averaged ("I like my teachers") — the referent should determine the level at which analysis takes place. The review states that "Where referents are plural or averaged, analyses should be multilevel to account for shared group-level variance and ensure appropriate interpretation". This matters because implications for practice and intervention differ depending on whether individual relationships, multiple relationships, or classroom culture is being addressed. (Emma C. Burns · Penny Van Bergen (2025))

Claims

Key Sources

  • Emma C. Burns · Penny Van Bergen. (2025). What Are Teacher–Student Relationships in Adolescent Motivation Research? A Systematic Review of Conceptualizations, Measurement, and Analysis. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-09998-y
Page metadata
Field Value
type research-method
id referent-aligned-multilevel-analysis-of-relationship-measures
title Referent-aligned multilevel analysis of relationship measures
description Because relationship items differ in their referents — dyadic ("I like my teacher"), plural ("this teacher likes us"), or averaged ("I like my teachers") — the referent should determine the level at which analysis takes place.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-22
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