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Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine factors which influence responses on open-ended evaluations of training courses. Design/methodology/approach - Course participants completed open-ended evaluation forms about their experience on a course. These consisted of 377 senior teachers attending a training programme dealing with child abuse. The course was repeated 17 times. The second training programme concerned teaching skills. This was attended by 231 postgraduates. The course was repeated 25 times. Findings - Responses on open-ended evaluation forms tended to be favourable with reference to 'human related factors' and unfavourable when referring to 'hygiene factors'. Practical implications - It is suggested the way people complete evaluation forms is partly a reflection of their desire to see themselves as acting in a socially desirable manner. Interpretations made from such forms about the effectiveness or merits of any course should take this into account. Originality/value - Provides a lot more information about open-ended evaluations than is provided in the research methods texts. It is suggested that those who use open-ended evaluations need to be particularly careful when they interpret them.