Selecting the best linear mixed model under REML

Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation of the parameters of the mixed model has become commonplace, even becoming the default option in many statistical software packages. However, a review of the literature indicates a need to update and clarify model selection techniques under REML, as ambiguities exist on the appropriateness of existing information criteria in this setting. A simulation study as well as an application assisted in gaining an understanding of the performance of information criteria in selecting the best model when using REML estimation.