Date Approved

5-14-2003

Date Posted

10-1-2009

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Psychology

Committee Member

John R. Knapp, Ph.D., Chairperson

Committee Member

Dennis Delprato, Ph.D.

Committee Member

David C. S. Richard, Ph.D.

Abstract

The study applied Classical Test Theory to the student evaluation forms for 25 departments to assess reliability. The study also applied Generalizability Theory to assess the reliability of the Psychology Department evaluation form. Regression analysis on the Psychology Department form assessed the effect of absolute expected grades on student ratings of teaching effectiveness and courses. The results show that the reliability of the 25 department forms is very high, exceeding .80 for each form. Generalizability theory indicates the Psychology Department form to be reliable for assessment of student ratings of the effectiveness of teaching but not necessarily of courses. Results suggest at least five items from five or more courses would be preferable to obtain reliable results of student ratings of teaching effectiveness. Regression analysis shows absolute expected grade did not significantly account for any variance in overall student ratings of teaching effectiveness or overall course ratings.

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