Grade inflation: undergraduate students’ perspective

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine whether students perceive grade inflation as a problem. It questions whether differences exist in perceptions based upon gender and grade point average (GPA). Design/methodology/approach Previously validated scales were used to assess perceptions. The sample included 108 full-time traditional-aged undergraduate students from a private university. Findings Students do not believe A grades are given more than deserved; however, they believe some receive higher grades than deserved. Grades are seen as an accurate reflection of achievement. Neither gender nor GPA differences were found on grade inflation perceptions, although women believe faculty give higher grades to receive better student evaluations. Originality/value This paper combines student perceptions about grade inflation and analysis by gender and GPA.

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“…These scholars and experts, along with journalists (Young, 2003;Arum & Roska, 2005;Hersh & Merrow, 2005;Cote & Allahar, 2007;Dew, 2012;Selingo, 2013;Rossi, 2014;Wright, 2014;Kostal et al, 2016), note that higher education has shifted towards a business model that focuses on profit through the assurance of recruitment and retention of paying "customers" who evaluate the "service" (teaching) they receive. Cote and Allahar (2007) lament the phenomena of the student "customer" rating professors and affecting tenure decisions, inadequate student K-12 academic preparation for higher education, student and faculty disengagement from the educational process, and grade inflation (Valen, 2003;Hersh & Merrow, 2005;Supiano, 2008;Dew, 2012;Wright, 2014;Kostel et al, 2018;Baglione & Smith, 2022).…”

Instructor-Driven Causes and Impacts of Grade Inflation in Philippine Higher Education

“…Grade hyperinflation is an infrequent occurrence characterized by a rapid and drastic surge in the average grades obtained by students within a brief span; in contrast, grade inflation signifies a consistent and gradual uptick in students' average grades over time, occurring without substantial corresponding advancements in their genuine academic progress or learning (Baglione & Smith, 2022). Grade inflation is a phenomenon in which higher grades are awarded to students than they deserve, increasing the average grades (Chowdhury, 2018).…”