Using the sampling margin of error to assess the interpretative validity of student evaluations of teaching

We present an equation, derived from standard statistical theory, that can be used to estimate sampling margin of error for student evaluations of teaching (SETs). We use the equation to examine the effect of sample size, response rates and sample variability on the estimated sampling margin of error, and present results in four tables that allow users to assess the interpretative validity (IV) of a SET score for a specific evaluation context....