Applying Multilevel Analysis to Migration Research: Perspectives and Methods in Linking Micro Analysis to Regional Analysis

Abstract

This paper discusses the significance and prospects of applying multilevel analysis to migration research. It begins with an overview of the methodological divide between the micro and macro approaches. The former is characterized by individual-level analysis of migration processes and destination choices, and the latter by analysis of aggregate data on migration levels and flows. Specifically, the perspectives, methods, and data used in each approach are summarized, with implications for the conceptual and methodological background of the need for the multilevel modeling approach. The discussion is followed by a description of the structure and novelty of the multilevel model, which has led to a growing volume of innovative findings in migration research. For the methodological aspects of advances in migration research, the introduction of multilevel analysis has provided solutions to the technical problems of the conventional approaches, such as the violation of the assumption of independence of the observations and the generation of the ecological fallacy. It has also contributed to the development of analytical frameworks that simultaneously consider factors measured at different levels and their interactions. The discussion concludes by highlighting new insights that multilevel analysis brings, including new evidence for classic propositions and hypotheses.