Nonparametric Statistical Methods Using R

Chapter 8

Cluster Correlated Data

8.1 Introduction

Often in practice, data are collected in clusters. Examples include block designs, repeated measure designs, and designs with random effects. Generally, the observations within a cluster are dependent. Thus the independence assumption of fixed effects linear models breaks down. These models generally include fixed effects, also. Inference (estimation, confidence intervals, and tests of linear hypotheses) for the fixed effects is often of primary importance.

Several rank-based approaches have been considered for analyzing cluster-correlated data. Kloke, McKean, and Rashid (2009) extended the rank-based analysis for linear models discussed in Chapters 4–5 to many cluster models which occur in practice. ...