Multivariate ordinal random effects models including subject and group specific response style effects

Common random effects models for repeated measurements account for the heterogeneity in the population by including subject-specific intercepts or variable effects. They do not account for the heterogeneity in answering tendencies. For ordinal responses in particular, the tendency to choose extreme or middle responses can vary in the population. Extended models are proposed that account for this type of heterogeneity. Location effects as well as the tendency to extreme or middle responses are modelled as functions of explanatory variables. It is demonstrated that ignoring response styles may affect the accuracy of parameter estimates. An example demonstrates the applicability of the method.

Automated summary

Common random effects models for repeated measurements consider population heterogeneity with subject-specific intercepts or variable effects, but do not account for heterogeneity in answering tendencies. Extended models are proposed for ordinal responses, modeling location effects and tendencies based on explanatory variables. Ignoring response styles can impact parameter estimates, as shown in an example demonstrating the method's applicability.