Public Safety Step 2 Problem Identification
Public Safety Research and Technologies Class
Instructions
Sound research begins with a carefully thought out research question and problem statement. The problem statement comes at the beginning of a proposal to explain the problem or issue to the reader before getting into the nuts and bolts of the proposal. Develop a two-to-four page problem statement identifying your selected current issue in public safety. You should be concise, but certain that you cover enough information to properly prepare your reader for what will follow. The problem statement should be written in a formal voice.
Your problem statement should outline the basic facts of the problem, explain why the problem matters and make the case for why your research is necessary. Many times, the problem statement of a research proposal will begin by describing the ideal scenario. Then, the writer will describe the current situation or reality - specifically conditions that prevent the ideal. Next, the consequences of continuing in the current situation are presented. Lastly, the writer describes the areas of inquiry that may lead to a possible solution to the problem.
This table lists criteria and criteria group name in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method. Criteria
Excellent
Good
Fair / Adequate
Poor / Unacceptable
Attention to instructions and assignment
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20 points
Follows all instructions for completion of the assignment.
16 points
Follows most but not all instructions for completion of assignment.
14 points
Follows some but not all instructions for completion of assignment.
0 points
Does not follow directions for completion of the assignment.
NOTE: Any assignment that receives below a 10 in this category will not be accepted and will be returned ungraded.
/ 20
/ 20
*
Criterion score has been overridden
Creative thought / problem-solving / self-assessment
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20 points
Demonstrates a high degree of originality, insight and/or problem-solving skill
16 points
Shows some originality, insight and/or problem-solving skill
14 points
Shows minimally acceptable originality, insight and/or problem-solving skill
0 points
Shows no original thought; all second-hand ideas
/ 20
/ 20
*
Criterion score has been overridden
Source Use/APA Formatting
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20 points
Demonstrates comprehension of all source material; integrates sources appropriately and effectively. Uses appropriate APA formatting.
16 points
Most source material is appropriate, but some if not fully explained or integrated into the paper. No more than three APA formatting errors.
14 points
Source material is not consistently appropriate or integrated into the paper. No more than five APA formatting errors.
0 points
No use of source material. More than five APA formatting errors.
/ 20
/ 20
*
Criterion score has been overridden
Development and support
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20 points
Thoroughly and insightfully explores, explains and supports each idea
16 points
Develops and supports key points
14 points
Inconsistently develops and supports ideas
0 points
Does not make a meaningful attempt to explain or support ideas
/ 20
/ 20
*
Criterion score has been overridden
Clarity, including grammar
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20 points
All ideas are presented clearly, using appropriate language and grammar conventions.
16 points
Most ideas are presented clearly but sometimes too simplistically or not all grammar conventions are followed.
14 points
Wordy; some points require rereading to understand fully: grammar conventions are not followed.
0 points
Largely incomprehensible
/ 20
/ 20
*
Criterion score has been overridden
Total
Clear Override
/ 100
/ 100
*
Criterion score has been overridden
Overall Score
A Grade *
90 points minimum Clear Override
B Grade *
80 points minimum Clear Override
C Grade *
70 points minimum Clear Override
D Grade *
60 points minimum Clear Override
F Grade *
0 points