Investigating Halo and Ceiling Effects in Student Evaluations of Instruction
Abstract
Many measurement biases affect student evaluations of instruction (SEIs). However, two have been relatively understudied: halo effects and ceiling/floor effects. This study examined these effects in two ways. To examine the halo effect, using a videotaped lecture, we manipulated specific teacher behaviors to be "good" or "bad" based on specific items on the evaluation form (the Teacher Behavior Checklist). To examine ceiling/floor effects, we expanded the standard 5-point rating to either 7 or 9 points. Across three universities, 537 students watched and rated the videotaped lecture. Both biases were robust and remained despite characteristics of the measure designed to combat them. Instead, direct instruction regarding how to use the evaluation forms seems to be necessary to limit these biases on ratings.
Recommended Citation
Keeley, J. W., English, T., Irons, J. G., & Henslee, A. M. (2013). Investigating Halo and Ceiling Effects in Student Evaluations of Instruction. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 73(3), pp. 440-457. SAGE Publications Inc..
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1177/0013164412475300
Department(s)
Psychological Science
Keywords and Phrases
Ceiling/Floor Effect; Halo Effect; Student Evaluation of Instruction
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0013-1644
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2013 SAGE Publications Inc., All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2013
