Characteristics of Mindless Teaching Evaluations and the Moderating Effects of Image Compatibility

Abstract

Administrators use data from student evaluations of teachers (SETs) as input for making numerous decisions. However, many in the profession question the validity of SET information. This study examines the SET process from a cognitive perspective and investigates the relationship between student images of their teachers and characteristics of mindless SET completion. Questionnaire data from 127 students show significant correlations between SET scores and overall teacher evaluations, but only when images of the current and ideal teacher are not compatible. When images of the current and ideal teacher are compatible, correlations between SET and overall scores are not statistically significant.