The Comparative Impact of Race, Age, and Gender on Student Perception of Mentorship

• In Event: Culturally Responsive Mentoring Practices That Support Equality and Justice in Schools and Communities

Abstract

Previous research suggests that a student’s demographics can impact their experience of a mentoring relationship (e.g. Ortiz-Walters & Gilson, 2005). Mentors play a vital role in helping graduate students achieve their goals by investing in their personal and professional wellbeing (Ghosh & Reio, 2013). Using cross-sectional, self-report online survey methodology, 256 graduate students completed the Ideal Mentor Scale (IMS; Rose, 1999), the Mentor Behavior Scale (MBS; Brodeur, 2015), and a demographic questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was use to analyze the data. Results suggest that a student’s gender, race and school level is significant with their perceptions of an ideal mentor, suggesting that the needs of graduate students differ across social and cultural bounderies. (Erkut & Mokros, 1984).

Author

• Andrea L. Tyler, Tennessee State University