Professor Age and Gender Affect Student Perceptions and Grades

Student evaluations provide rich information about teaching performance, but a number of factors beyond teacher effectiveness influence student evaluations. In this study we examined the effects of professor gender and perceived age on ratings of effectiveness and rapport as well as academic performance. We also asked students to rate professor attractiveness as a potential explanation for group differences. Participants (N = 308) saw a picture of either a young or old male or female professor while listening to an audio lecture. Students reported greater perceived rapport and attractiveness with the female relative to the male professors and for younger versus older professors. However, students reported the male professors as more effective than the female professors. An interaction revealed that among female professors only, younger women were rated as more attractive than comparison conditions. Thus, age and gender bias likely impact student evaluations of teaching. Our study also revealed higher quiz grades in the older-female condition.