Researching study reforms and students

Abstract

This article reflects the methodology used in a research project on the consequences of the Bologna reforms. It starts with describing a shortcoming of discourse analysis, namely whether individuals act in the ways prescribed by discourses. By relating the results of the discourse analysis to the practice of actors, a way to overcome this flaw is suggested. In his research, the author has analyzed the consequences of the study reforms through students?ǨѢ accounts of their actions and experiences. The data has been gathered through the use of problem-centered interviews, an interactive interviewing method. Criteria for the selection of cases are discussed. The article closes by providing an example for a line of interpretation and by reflecting on the scope of the research results.