comparing 3 levels of fixed factor in lme4

[...]

If you have a specific book to suggest I would appreciate it. I have
Pinhiero and Bates (2000), Mixed Effects Models in S and S-Plus, but
have not found specific mentioned of how the t value is derived there
yet.

You may consider to read Pinheiro & Bates more carefully or consult an 
introductory text about model selection and likelihood ratio tests, e.g.:

Johnson, J., G. & Omland, K. S. (2004) Model Selection in Ecology and 
Evolution. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 19, 101-108.

I admit my ignorance in this area, and apologize if my questions are
dumb, but nevertheless would appreciate some civility.

>
 > Andrew Obermeier

... so please add a little background (or an email signature) so that it 
is possible to find an appropriate scientific and/or technical level in 
our answers.

Hope it helps


Thomas

Dr. Thomas Petzoldt
Technische Universitaet Dresden
Faculty of Forest, Geo and Hydro Sciences
Institute of Hydrobiology
01062 Dresden, Germany

E-Mail: thomas.petzoldt at tu-dresden.de
http://tu-dresden.de/Members/thomas.petzoldt