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Research ArticleArticles

Why Do We Inflate Grades?

The Effect of Adjunct Faculty Employment on Instructor Grading Standards

Kelly Chen, Zeynep Hansen and Scott Lowe
Journal of Human Resources, July 2021, 56 (3) 878-921; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.56.3.0518-9493R2
Kelly Chen
Kelly Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, Boise State University.
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Zeynep Hansen
Zeynep Hansen is a Professor of Economics and the Vice Provost for Academic Planning at Boise State University, and a Research Associate at the NBER.
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Scott Lowe
Scott Lowe is a Professor of Economics and the Associate Dean of the Graduate College at Boise State University.
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Abstract

A burgeoning literature has documented the influence of adjunct instructors on student subsequent interest and success, but very little is known about the underlying mechanisms. This study investigates instructor choice of grading standards as one mediating channel by exploiting a unique university policy that converts full-time permanent lecturers from existing pool of part-time temporary instructors. We find that instructors hired on a temporary, part-time basis assign higher grades than their permanent full-time counterparts, with no discernible differences in student learning outcomes or perceived teaching effectiveness. The differential grading standards, however, appear to have a nonnegligible impact on student enrollment patterns.

JEL Classification:
  • I21
  • I23
  • J41
  • J45
  • Received May 2018.
  • Accepted July 2019.
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Journal of Human Resources: 56 (3)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 56, Issue 3
1 Jul 2021
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Why Do We Inflate Grades?
Kelly Chen, Zeynep Hansen, Scott Lowe
Journal of Human Resources Jul 2021, 56 (3) 878-921; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.56.3.0518-9493R2

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Why Do We Inflate Grades?
Kelly Chen, Zeynep Hansen, Scott Lowe
Journal of Human Resources Jul 2021, 56 (3) 878-921; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.56.3.0518-9493R2
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • I. Introduction
    • II. Institutional Background and Data
    • III. Research Methods
    • IV. Do Adjuncts Grade More Leniently Than Full-Time Professors?
    • V. Does Easy Grading Affect Subsequent Course Choice?
    • VI. Can Different Grades Explain Differential Course Choice?
    • VII. Conclusions
    • Footnotes
    • References
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Keywords

  • I21
  • I23
  • J41
  • J45
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