PhD student in Applied Social Sciences at RGU, Blessing shares her experience at the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSS) Summer School 2024 in Dundee.
Travelling to Dundee
My journey to Dundee for this year’s SGSS summer school was both eventful and rewarding. I had planned to board a train to Dundee after purchasing my ticket, but unfortunately, the ride was cancelled due to ongoing repairs in Edinburgh. Although I was disappointed, the train company provided an alternative bus service to ensure we could still reach our destination.
Upon arriving at the hotel, I was pleasantly surprised to find my name at the front desk, where I picked up my room key. The room was elegant and comfortable. I immersed in the serene and beautiful ambiance, I couldn’t resist the comfort of my bed, then jumped in and drifted off to sleep like a baby.
Day 1
The event started smoothly with registration, and I was glad to have arrived a day early to rest before the sessions began. Our first lecture was with Professor Ian Greener on qualitative methods. He stressed the importance of reliability and justifiability in qualitative research, emphasising that the credibility of such studies depends on rigorous data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
As a PhD student focusing on health communication strategy and environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta, I absorbed everything I could from this session, knowing it would be invaluable for my research. Dr. Greener’s final advice: “No copying and pasting. Read, understand, and interpret in your own words.”
An unexpected highlight
A personal highlight of the summer school was getting up close to alpacas. Their soft fur was irresistible, and we learned that, they are human friendly, although they may spit, it’s usually to communicate with other alpacas. These gentle creatures thrive in pairs, and if isolated, they can become depressed and die, especially after calling to other alpacas and they did not get any response.
Day 2
Dr. Alan Marshall’s session introduced us to natural experiments and the Difference-in-Difference (DID) model. He explained how this method compares the effects of a treatment by looking at outcomes before and after in both treated and control groups. The DID model is particularly useful for understanding how interventions unfold over time. While this isn’t directly related to my current research, I paid close attention because no knowledge is ever wasted.
Next, Dr. Colin Brough’s lecture on research ethics was deeply insightful. He began by discussing the Nuremberg Code (1949), which arose from the Nazi atrocities during World War II. This code introduced key ethical standards, such as voluntary consent and ensuring that experiments are for the benefit of society.
He also touched on the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where African American men were left untreated, a scandal that underscored the importance of informed consent and ethical responsibility in research. This led to the Belmont Report (1979), which outlined the principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice in research involving human subjects.
These principles are now central to ethical research worldwide. One of the session’s highlights was when Dr. Colin asked us to identify our “academic superpowers.” I realised that adaptability is one of mine, a trait I hadn’t considered special, but one not everyone possesses. What’s yours?
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
V&A Dundee, a striking museum resembling a massive ship, stands proudly on the waterfront in Dundee, a true architectural marvel. If you ever find yourself in the city, make sure to visit this extraordinary place. The moment you step into the area, you’re greeted by the cool, refreshing breeze from the river that will pamper your face, creating a perfect atmosphere for exploring. The ambiance is soothing and tranquil, especially for those who appreciate being near the sea, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Day 3
Time to return home after the entire experience left me feeling energised, informed, and ready to apply what I learned to my ongoing research. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to grow as a social sciences scholar. It was a delightful end to an intense two days of academic enrichment.
Thank you to my supervisors Dr. Sarah Buckler, Dr. Irene Ukanwa, and Dr. Mathew Fraserfor the permission to travel! Appreciating RGU and SGSSS for this unforgettable summer experience, let’s do this again next summer.
Blessing Bulaun
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