What did you get? A faculty grade comparison

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates how the increased use of part‐time and nontenure‐track instructors may result in grade inflation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses ten years of registrar data at a Midwest State (USA) institution to perform a multiple regression grade analysis.

Findings

Evidence is found that part‐time and nontenure‐track instructors give higher grades even after accounting for many alternative explanations for grade differences.

Research limitations/implications

The source for the data used for the study is one public institution. Additional studies from a wider range of institution types would be necessary before more definite conclusions can be drawn.

Originality/value

This paper extends the work performed by a number of other authors by analyzing a significantly longer‐time period and by using data not specific to a particular discipline. In addition, this study expands upon past studies by including full‐time nontenure‐track faculty whose numbers are increasing rapidly in higher education. A multiple regression analysis is also used that provides for more robust results and controls for many alternative explanations of grade differences.

Citation

Cavanaugh, J.K. (2006), "What did you get? A faculty grade comparison", Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/09684880610662051