Publication: Journal of Economic Education
Volume: Volume 35, No. 2
Issue: Spring 2004
Pages: 129-147
Author(s): Paul W. Grimes (Mississippi State University), Meghan J. Millea (Mississippi State University) and Thomas W. Woodruff (St. Mary's University)
Address (Principal Author):Paul W. Grimes
Professor of Economics
College of Business and Industry
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762-9580
Phone: (662) 325-2341
Fax: (662) 325-1977
Internet Address (Principal Author): pwg1@ra.msstte.edu
Title: Grades-Who's to Blame? Student Evaluation of Teaching and Locus of Control
Abstract: The authors examine the relationship between students' evaluation of teaching in a principles of economics course and their "locus of control," a psychological construct that identifies an individual's beliefs about the degree of personal control that can be exercised over his or her environment. Internally oriented students had a greater probability of assigning above average evaluation marks with respect to instructor performance, but more externally oriented students had a greater probability to assign average and below average instructor evaluation marks.