Perceptions of an Instructor: Dress and Students' Characteristics

Abstract

This study examined the influence of a female instructor's clothing style on students' perceptions of an instructor's characteristics. Social perception provided the theoretical framework. Formality of clothing style, students' clothing interest, and students' gender were the independent variables. Perception of the instructor's characteristics was the dependent variable. A 25-item questionnaire was administered to 216 college students from three universities. Perceptions of the instructor's characteristics varied significantly with formality of clothing style. The students' clothing interest influenced perceptions to some extent; gender of students did not.

Clothing and Teacher Credibility: An Application of Expectancy Violations Theory

“…However, if the students in this study are typical, there are some lessons that may be learned from this research. In general, the results of this study support the recommendation made Lukavsky et al [27] that teachers should strive for a moderate clothing style. Students pay more attention to clothing as a cue when the teacher's inherent value is not apparent.…”

“…Similarly, Davis [26] found that formality was negatively associated with friendliness, sympathy, clarity of communication, enthusiasm, and flexibility but positively associated with knowledge. A moderate clothing style is formal enough to command respect, yet not so formal as to discourage contact among college students [27,28].…”

“…Lukavsky, et al [27] suggest that a moderate style which encourages contact but also fosters credibility and respect is the ideal. This suggests that for many students, what is most expected and desired is a moderate degree of formality in the attire of their instructors, but no studies have taken into account the reward value of the instructor.…”

Student Perceptions of Teacher Professional Attire

“…In another study Lukavsky, Butler and Harden (1995) found significant differences in student perception of three teacher characteristics (approachability, flexibility, and respect) based on whether the instructor was formally or informally dressed. Findings of the study showed that the instructor who dressed informally was rated most approachable and flexible, but at the same time commanded the least amount of respect.…”

Relationship between a middle school band director's attire and incidences of student off-task behaviors in the classroom

“…Within the limited research that has been done in teacher attire, most has focused on student initial perceptions of teacher character traits, or first impressions, by using doctored photographs and other such methods (Davis, Clarke, Frances, et al 1992;Morris, Gorham, Cohen, & Huffman, 1996;Lukavsky, Butler, & Harden, 1995;Butler, & Roesel, 1989). A majority of studies have found that the more formal business attire a teacher wears, the more positive responses they receive in respect and power, but conversely they also receive the least positive response for approachability (Davis, Clarke, Frances, et al 1992;Morris, Gorham, Cohen, & Huffman, 1996;Lukavsky, Butler, & Harden, 1995;Butler, & Roesel, 1989).…”