hierarchical model
a statistical procedure that takes into account situations in which lower level variables or entities are part of a larger set or sets. For example, a hierarchical factor analysis model posits that relationships among a subset of lower level primary variables (e.g., verbal, mathematical, and social intelligence) can be explained by a higher order or general factor (e.g., general intelligence). Similarly, a hierarchical linear model is a particular type of hierarchical model that includes several levels of actual variables as components of a progressively larger overall set. Also called nested model.