Estimation and Use of Variance Components

Abstract

Methods of estimating components of variance are described and compared. The method of residual maximum likelihood (REML) is used to illustrate some of the many uses of variance components. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of unbalanced data, including recovery of inter-block information and efficient combination of results from several trials, or series of trials. A powerful and easy-to-use computer program, REML, is available for use on most modern mini- computers.