An Invitation to the Ethnographic Study of University Examination Behavior: Concepts, Methodology, and Implications

The topic of this paper is student life as it relates to examinations. There are two foci: first, the field of higher education and, second, qualitative methodology and theoretical implications for higher education, particularly with regard to dealing with exam-related stress in students. Data collection involved interviews, observation, 'Garfinkling,' and unobtrusive measures. The data analysis and theoretical implications are from our earlier previously published studies. They include student 'magic,' emotion work, impression management and examination dramaturgy. Brief synopses of these studies are included to provide clear relevance of the discussion.