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Who Is Biased? Heterogeneity in Gender Bias in Evaluations

Author

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  • Stephanie El Khoury

Abstract

Professor review websites are widely used by students but may transmit biased information. This paper examines who generates gender bias in teaching evaluations. Using scraped instructor data from RateMyProfessor.com, I document descriptive evidence of a gender gap. I then conduct a randomized experiment in which students evaluate identical teaching content delivered with male or female voice-overs. The results show a causal gender penalty of about 0.11 points on a 1–5 scale. This penalty is concentrated among students who actively post online reviews, suggesting that bias is driven by a subset of reviewers rather than the broader student population.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephanie El Khoury, 2026. "Who Is Biased? Heterogeneity in Gender Bias in Evaluations," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 116, pages 594-598, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:116:y:2026:p:594-598
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20261120
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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