Skip to main content
Article
Investigating Halo and Ceiling Effects in Student Evaluations of Instruction
Educational and Psychological Measurement
  • Jared Wayne Keeley
  • Taylor English
  • Jessica G. Irons
  • Amber M. Henslee, Missouri University of Science and Technology
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.

Department(s)
Psychological Science
Keywords and Phrases
  • Ceiling/Floor Effect,
  • Halo Effect,
  • Student Evaluation of Instruction
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2013 SAGE Publications Inc., All rights reserved.
Publication Date
1-1-2013
Publication Date
01 Jan 2013
Disciplines
Citation Information
Jared Wayne Keeley, Taylor English, Jessica G. Irons and Amber M. Henslee. "Investigating Halo and Ceiling Effects in Student Evaluations of Instruction" Educational and Psychological Measurement Vol. 73 Iss. 3 (2013) p. 440 - 457 ISSN: 0013-1644
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/amber-henslee/17/