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Faculty Perceptions of Students. III. Structure of Faculty Characterizations

Author(s):
Davis, Junius A.
Publication Year:
1964
Report Number:
RB-64-12
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
35
Subject/Key Words:
College Board, Achievement Rating, Evaluation Criteria, Factor Structure, Student Characteristics, Student Evaluation, Teacher Attitudes

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to determine the structure of characterizations of students by faculty members. What dimensions (or trait patterns) are of concern, or are observable, and appear meaningful? Ratings of students by faculty members on 80 rating scale variables, together with SAT scores and high school and freshman average grades, were obtained; intercorrelations were computed, and the resultant matrix factored and rotated to the normal equamax criterion. Eighteen factors were found, 16 of which were drawn primarily from the rating scale variables. The 18 factors accounted for about 86% of the correlation among the original variables. These factors reveal a relatively complex or multi-dimensional judgmental framework, with factors devoted to various aspects of intellectual qualities, functional orientation to work, character traits, interpersonal relationships, and intrapersonal adjustment.

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