Linear mixed-effects models to compare a within-between factor

anaipe

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum, so I hope to be asking my question in the right place...

I usually use linear mixed effects models to analyse my data. However, this time I have a within factor: bilinguals reading in their first (L1) and second language (L2), that a between factor variable: monolinguals and bilinguals (both reading in the L1).

Because for me it has theoretical sense to compare the three groups under the same analysis, I wonder whether I can treat the three groups (monolinguals vs bilinguals-L1 vs bilinguals-L2) as three levels of the same factor, taking into account that the experimental design is different.

Linear mixed-effects models do not require to place the data differently regarding the experimental design, so this is why I wonder whether it is a feasible statistical analysis.

Many thanks in advance,

Ana

EJ

Hi Ana,

I'm sure you can put everything in a single model, but I'd keep things simple and conduct two separate analyses.

Cheers,

E.J.

andersony3k

Another straightforward option is to simply conduct three planned t tests:

BiL1 vs BiL2

BiL1 vs MoL1

BiL2 vs MoL1