The Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony (KFN), in cooperation with GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, invites you to attend the
MethodLab training series ‘Methods and Statistics’
Workshop
‘Introduction to Longitudinal Analysis with Structural Equation Modelling’
(19–20 March 2025)
In the second edition of the MethodLab training series ‘Methods and Statistics’, the KFN, in cooperation with GESIS, is offering a two-day workshop on the topic of ‘Introduction to Longitudinal Analysis with Structural Equation Modelling’. The workshop is aimed at empirical researchers in criminology and related disciplines who wish to evaluate longitudinal data using structural equation modelling (SEM).
SEM is a flexible and versatile data analysis tool that allows researchers to test complex relationships between variables, model latent constructs, check measurement validity and account for measurement error within a unified statistical framework. The workshop covers basic concepts of path analysis (PA) and shows how different longitudinal models can be specified, estimated, and interpreted, e.g., autoregressive models, fixed-effects models, cross-lagged models, and latent growth models. For scenarios in which the variables of interest are not directly observable (latent) and are measured by several directly observable (manifest) indicators, the longitudinal models are extended by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) procedures. All models are taught both theoretically and through practical demonstrations with sample data in the R programming environment using the lavaan package. Participants also have the opportunity to gain practical experience in exercises with the sample data. Basic knowledge of regression analysis, factor analysis and the R programming environment is recommended. The workshop will be led by Dr Daniel Seddig (KFN).
The workshop will take place from Wednesday, 19 March, to Thursday, 20 March 2025, at the KFN premises at Lützerodestraße 9, 30161 Hanover. The participation fee is €150. Students are eligible for a reduced price of €100. The number of participants is limited. Registrations will be accepted until 28 February 2025 at the latest by email to MethodLab@kfn.de. If you have any questions, please also contact this email address.
Workshop schedule
19 March 2025 (Day 1)
| 09.00-09.05 | Welcome! |
| 09.05-10.30 | Fundamentals of path analysis |
| 10.30-10.45 | Coffee break |
| 10.45-12.15 | Autoregressive and fixed effects models (+ exercise) |
| 12.15-13.15 | Lunch break |
| 13.15-14.45 | Autoregressive and fixed effects models (+ exercise) |
| 14.45-15.00 | Coffee break |
| 15.00-16.30 | Cross-lagged models and latent growth models (+ exercise) |
| 16.30-17.15 | Forking hours |
| from 18.00 | Optional: joint dinner |
20 March 2025 (Day 2)
| 09.00-10.30 | Confirmatory factor analysis |
| 10.30-10.45 | Coffee break |
| 10.45-12.15 | Confirmatory factor analysis in longitudinal studies ( + exercise) |
| 12.15-13.15 | Lunch break |
| 13.15-14.45 | Longitudinal measurement invariance (+ exercise) |
| 14.45-15.00 | Coffee break |
| 15.00-16.30 | Latentes Wachstumsmodell als vollständiges StrukturglLatent growth model as a complete structural equation model |
| Farewell |
