Tests for a family of random-effects covariance structures in a multivariate growth curve model

In this paper we propose test statistics for a general hypothesis concerning the adequacy of multivariate random-effects covariance structures in a multivariate growth curve model with differing numbers of random effects (Lange, N., N.M. Laird, J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 84 (1989) 241–247). Since the exact likelihood ratio (LR) statistic for the hypothesis is complicated, it is suggested to use a modified LR statistic. An asymptotic expansion of the null distribution of the statistic is obtained. The exact LR statistic is also discussed.