Are evaluation scores correlated with anything?
Marsh, H.W. & Roche, L. A. (1997) in their review of multi section studies summarize the relationships found between student ratings and background characteristics. Their summary concludes the following: • Popular classes that have higher interest are rated more favorably, although it is not always clear if interest existed before the start of the course or was generated by the course or the instructor. • Class average grades ARE correlated with class average student ratings. Interpretation depends on whether grades are due to a leniency effect, superior learning, or pre-existing differences. • Elective courses and courses with more students taking the course because of general interest, tend to be rated higher. • Difficult courses that require more time and effort are rated somewhat more favorably. • Smaller classes are rated somewhat more favorably than larger classes. • Graduate level courses are rated more favorably than undergraduate, upper level courses are rated higher than lowe
