Are They Getting What They Expect?

Abstract

affect general evaluation items. The results show that expectations (as measured on the first day) are above average; that the introductory experience generally results in a positive violation; that students' sex, year in school, and grade point average are associated with different levels of expectancy and expectancy violation; and that both factors affect general evaluation items, depending upon the area of expectancy and the evaluation item being considered. The belief in the importance of the introduction to sociology course has been emphasized repeatedly in the pages of this journal. Pragmatically, the course can create a lifetime image of the field, as well as supplying students to our advanced courses. Intellectually, it is the only formal exposure to sociological thinking that most students will receive. Therefore, it is argued, we had better do a good job of teaching it.