I Summer School “Values and Socio-Economical Behaviour: Cross-cultural Dimensions and Explanatory Models”: interviews with participants

In the end of the Summer School researchers of the International Scientific-Educational Laboratory of Socio-Cultural Research interviewed professors Eldad Davidov, Valery Chirkov, Shalom Schwarts, Emiko Kashima, Nadezhda Lebedeva, Peter Schmidt, Adam Cohen. During the interview experts described their impressions of the event and offered their ideas about the organization of future Summer Schools.

In general, expectations were not just met, but were surpassed due to good organization and high motivation of participants. All experts agreed that the Summer School was useful, especially for students who try to find the direction of their future research, because they were able to get a lot of ideas from the lectures. Scientists were amazed by the high interest of the participants who asked a lot of questions after the lectures and gave feedback. The questions were interesting and useful and contained constructive criticism, suggestions for improving the study. Also experts were satisfied with the structure of the Summer School - schedule was very intensive and included not only time for presentations, but also time for discussion. As for the schedule, Eldad Davidov advised to include more practical courses aimed at learning the methods of research. Shalom Schwarts offered to provide more time for discussion because sometimes students did not exactly understand the features of the study.

 

Eldad Davidov focused on three main positive aspects of the Summer School. The first was that students had the opportunity to gain new knowledge not only about theories, but also about practical methods that they can use in their own projects, and to get feedback from guests and other laboratory staff. The second aspect is the possibility for young researchers to improve their project and present it again. The third aspect is that students got a chance to listen to the lectures by famous scientists and learned directly about what is happening in modern research.

Valery Chirkov pointed to an organic compound of the venerable scientists and young researchers who complement each other and give feedback to each other. Professor Chirkov also said that the Summer School in many aspects is much better than some conferences he visited.

Shalom Schwarts said in an interview that the Summer School was an excellent opportunity for students to conduct their own good research in the future. He was also surprised by the number of questions were asked after the lectures and he offered to allow more time for discussions.

Nadezhda Lebedeva was pleased that the first experience of organizing the Summer School was so successful. All participants were satisfied with the practical benefit that School gave to young researchers.

Peter Schmidt said that both presentations of scientists and presentations of young researchers had great practical significance for the laboratory. When he was asked about what the most memorable at the event, he replied that he was amazed by strong motivation and interest of participants.

In general, all the speakers said that the Summer School was very successful and productive.

Marina Lazutkina
Trainee researcher