This book discusses the most important techniques available for longitudinal data analysis, from simple techniques such as the paired t-test and summary statistics, to more sophisticated ones such as generalized estimating of equations and mixed model analysis. A distinction is made between longitudinal analysis with continuous, dichotomous and categorical outcome variables. The emphasis of the discussion lies in the interpretation and comparison of the results of the different techniques. The second edition includes new chapters on the role of the time variable and presents new features of longitudinal data analysis. 

本书讨论了用于纵向数据分析的最重要的技术，从简单的技术，如配对t检验和汇总统计，到更复杂的技术，如方程的广义估计和混合模型分析。对具有连续、二分法和分类结果变量的纵向分析进行了区分。讨论的重点在于解释和比较不同技术的结果。第二版包括关于时间变量作用的新章节，并介绍了纵向数据分析的新特点。