Constrained Maximum Likelihood Estimation for Two-Level Mean and Covariance Structure Models

Maximum likelihood is commonly used for the estimation of model parameters in the analysis of two-level structural equation models. Constraints on model parameters could be encountered in some situations such as equal factor loadings for different factors. Linear constraints are the most common ones and they are relatively easy to handle in maximum likelihood analysis. Nonlinear constraints could be encountered in complicated applications. The authors develop an EM-type algorithm for estimating model parameters with both linear and nonlinear constraints. The empirical performance of the algorithm is demonstrated by a Monte Carlo study. Application of the algorithm for linear constraints is illustrated by setting up a two-level mean and covariance structure model for a real two-level data set and running an EQS program.