[R-sig-ME] Random intercept model- unbalanced cluster

[Yashree Mehta]

Hi,

I am working with a random intercept model on a cluster dataset (Repeated
measurements of plots per household). I have the usual "X" vector
of covariates and one id variable which will make up the random
intercept. For example,

Response variable: Production of maize
Covariates: Size, input quantities, soil fertility dummies etc..
ID variable: Household_ID

However, about 40% of the households own one plot. The number of plots per
household ranges from 1 to 13.

When I estimated the random intercept model using lmer, I can extract a
random intercept for all households, irrespective of their number of plots.

How does lmer treat these households with just 1 plot? Also, is it
theoretically correct to include these observations ?

Thank you,

Regards,
Yashree

	[[alternative HTML version deleted]]