What did you get? A faculty grade comparison

Abstract

PurposeThis study investigates how the increased use of part‐time and nontenure‐track instructors may result in grade inflation.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses ten years of registrar data at a Midwest State (USA) institution to perform a multiple regression grade analysis.FindingsEvidence is found that part‐time and nontenure‐track instructors give higher grades even after accounting for many alternative explanations for grade differences.Research limitations/implicationsThe 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/valueThis 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.