Perceptions of Birds of a Feather: Actual Versus Perceived Similarity in Teacher-Student Relationships

• In Event: Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: Social Influences on Learning

Abstract

Similarity is a powerful mechanism which promotes liking within relationships. Because of the importance of teacher-student relationships to a host of important student outcomes, we investigated similarity as a potential enhancer of these relationships. Through two studies we examined racial and perceived similarity between teachers and students and their associations with teacher-student relationships. In Study 1 (N=134 high school students, 27 teachers) we found that racial similarity between students and teachers had minimal association with their teacher-student relationship; in contrast, students’ perceived similarity had a robust association. Through a longitudinal approach in Study 2 (N=119 middle school students and their 31 teachers), we found no association between racial similarity and teacher-student relationships, but replicated the robust association of perceived similarity.

Authors

• Hunter Gehlbach, Harvard University

• Maureen Brinkworth, Harvard University

• Anna D. Harris, Harvard University