TEHA upcoming events

16.02.2026, 11:00-13:00, A-213

TEHA is pleased to invite TLU researchers and doctoral students to attend the masterclass by TLU Honorary Professor Michael Gebel, which addresses key methodological challenges in quantitative data analysis with a particular focus on the reflective and theoretically grounded selection of control variables.

In research practice, numerous decisions must be made and justified in the process of quantitative data analysis. However, little attention is often paid to the selection of so-called control variables. Current methodological knowledge indicates that incorrect decisions in this area can lead to biased estimates. In addition, misinterpretations frequently occur in research practice. The aim of this short workshop is to raise awareness of the importance of a reflective and well-founded selection of control variables. First, the different objectives of description, prediction and causal inference in empirical social research will be explained. Depending on the objective, different logics apply to variable selection and model construction. Regarding the goal of causal inference, attention is drawn to the problems of confounding bias, overcontrol bias and endogenous sample selection bias, which can arise from the inclusion of incorrect control variables or the omission of correct control variables. Building on this, examples are used to derive implications for model construction when testing different hypotheses (e.g. total effect, mediation, i.e. direct vs. indirect effect, moderation and interaction). Practical tips are given for the systematic and theoretically sound selection of control variables. The various aspects are illustrated and discussed in the workshop using empirical application examples from social science research.

Please register for the masterclass by 11 February here

Michael Gebel is a Professor of Methods of Empirical Social Research at the University of Bamberg, where he also serves as Dean of Research and conducts internationally comparative life course and longitudinal data studies focused on education-to-work transitions and related issues. He has led major research projects including an ERC Starting Grant and has published widely on youth labour market transitions and causal analysis methods. 

Since 2025, Michael Gebel holds the title of Honorary Professor at Tallinn University and will be delivering a public lecture on the expansion of comparative life course research beyond its Western focus on 16 February at 14:00, room M-134. See the lecture information here.

21-23 April, 2026 at 10:00-15:00, A-206

TLU Centre of Excellence in Life Course, Wellbeing, and Open Society Studies (TEHA) is pleased to invite SOGOLAS’ researchers to a three-day masterclass led by Professor Jukka Törrönen. This intensive course offers a deep dive into key qualitative approaches, combining conceptual overviews with rich, practice-oriented examples. Throughout the sessions, participants will explore vignette methodology, narrative analysis, and discourse analysis, gaining analytical tools that can be directly applied to their own research projects. The masterclass is designed for researchers at various career stages who wish to strengthen their methodological repertoire and engage in thoughtful discussions around qualitative inquiry.

Prof. Jukka Törrönen is Professor of Sociology at Stockholm University, known for his extensive work with qualitative methodologies, particularly content, narrative, and discourse analysis. His research advances both the theoretical and methodological development of these approaches.

Please register for the masterclass by 8 April here.

Programme:

21 April:

10:00–12:00: Using vignettes in qualitative research

12:00–13:00: Lunch break

13:00–15:00: Various examples of vignette studies

22 April:

10:00–12:00: Thematic narrative analysis and structural narrative analysis; examples

12:00–13:00: Lunch break

13:00–15:00: Analysis of narrative identities and analysis of pending narratives; examples

23 April:

10:00–12:00: Discourse analysis and critical discourse analysis 1; examples

12:00–13:00: Lunch break

13:00–15:00: Critical discourse analysis 2; examples