The application of HLM to the analysis of the dynamic interaction of environment, person and behavior

A multiple goal context was examined to assess the interaction of environment, person and behavior over time. Specifically, frequency of feedback was manipulated, and performance and goal commitment for a quality and a quantity goal were measured in a short-term, longitudinal study. One hundred fifteen participants were given the performance goals in a dynamic, decision-making task. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test the hypotheses, which included both within and between person effects. Discussion focussed on the special issues related to the interpretation of these types of multi-level data and the self-regulating framework used to develop the hypotheses.