Abstract:

This paper explores the contribution of computer technology in resolving an ethical issue in academic research. Specifically, a computerized approach was adopted to study the link between students’ evaluations of teaching faculty performance and the students' course grades, at the Ariel University Center of Samaria, Israel. The computerized approach allowed researchers’ to obtain an anonymous association between students’ grades and their evaluations of faculty performance. The study sought to explore the relationship between students’ evaluations of the performance of the administrative staff and the teaching staff in the department, and whether any individual or scholastic variable affects students’ evaluations. The study is based on an analysis of 23,000 questionnaires completed by students in the 2007–2008 academic year reflecting students’ assessments of the teaching faculty, and 1,900 questionnaires on which students assessed the administrative staff in their department of study.

Keywords:

technology, ethics, student evaluations, anonymity.