This article is a non-technical review of recent contributions to multilevel analysis. After a short historical introduction, a general linear model for multilevel analysis is presented. The model consists of two sets of regression equations, one for the individual (micro) level and one for the group (macro) level. In the latter, the micro coefficients are seen as dependent variables. During the 1980s several computer programs were developed to provide statistically satisfactory estimates of the general hierarchical linear model. An abbreviated example of a multilevel analysis is presented, followed by a brief review of statistical procedures and computer programs for multilevel analysis. Some important issues in multilevel research are also discussed.
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