NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1095424
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0146-3934
EISSN: N/A
Student Use of Quantitative and Qualitative Information on Rate MyPprofessors.com for Course Selection
Hayes, Matthew W.; Prus, Joseph
College Student Journal, v48 n4 p675-688 Win 2014
The present study examined whether students used qualitative information, quantitative information, or both when making course selection decisions. Participants reviewed information on four hypothetical courses in an advising context before indicating their likelihood to enroll in those courses and ranking them according to preference. Modeled after information presented on the online site RateMyProfessors. com, qualitative comments and quantitative averages were systematically varied. Participants also rated how much they use 11 different information sources (e.g., friends, university catalog) and how useful and reliable they perceived each of those sources to be. Results indicated that participants consider both qualitative and quantitative information when selecting courses. Significant correlations between use, usefulness, and reliability indicate that students selectively seek out information sources they perceive to be reliable and useful. Though participants indicated that they used RateMyProfessors.com less than traditional sources such as friends, other students, and academic advisors, they perceive it to be as useful and reliable as these sources. These results suggest that students pursue information they believe to be valid when making course selection decisions and that they ignore presentation format, weighing qualitative and quantitative information equally.
Project Innovation, Inc. P.O. Box 8508 Spring Hill Station, Mobile, AL 36689-0508. Tel: 251-343-1878; Fax: 251-343-1878; Web site: http://www.projectinnovation.biz/csj.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A