Nursing Research

Criteria

Distinguished

16–20

Good

11–15

Satisfactory

6–10

Unsatisfactory

0–5

Total Points

Purpose

____ Points

The writer’s central purpose or argument is readily apparent to the reader.

____ Points

The writing has a clear purpose or argument but may sometimes digress from it.

____ Points

The central purpose or argument is not consistently clear throughout the paper.

____ Points

The purpose or argument is generally unclear.

Content

____ Points

Balanced presentation of relevant and legitimate information that clearly supports a central purpose or argument and shows a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains important insights.

____ Points

Information provides reasonable support for a central purpose or argument and displays evidence of a basic analysis of a significant topic. Reader gains some insights.

____ Points

Information supports a central purpose or argument at times. Analysis is basic or general. Reader gains few insights.

____ Points

Central purpose or argument is not clearly identified. Analysis is vague or not evident. Reader is confused or may be misinformed.

Organization

____ Points

Ideas are arranged logically to support the purpose or argument. They flow smoothly from one to another and are clearly linked. The reader can follow the line of reasoning. It is consistently professional and appropriate for an academic research paper.

____ Points

Ideas are arranged logically to support the central purpose or argument. They are usually clearly linked to each other. For the most part, the reader can follow the line of reasoning. It is appropriate for an academic research paper.

____ Points

In general, the writing is arranged logically, although occasionally ideas fail to make sense together. The reader is fairly clear about what the writer intends. It is not consistently professional or appropriate for an academic research paper.

____ Points

The writing is not logically organized. Frequently, ideas fail to make sense together. The reader cannot identify a line of reasoning and loses interest. It is not appropriate for an academic research paper.

Writing Composition

(Spelling, Grammar, Sentence Structure)

____ Points

An occasional error may occur, but writing, grammar, spelling, transitions, readability, and sentence structure are essentially error free.

____ Points

Some minor errors (1-3 errors) may occur with spelling, grammar, transitions, and sentence structure but are not consistent throughout the presentation. Errors do not interfere with the readability or comprehension of information.

____ Points

Frequent errors (4-5 errors) occur with spelling, grammar, transitions, sentence structure, and readability throughout the presentation.

____ Points

Numerous errors (>6 errors) occur with spelling, grammar, transitions, and sentence structure, throughout the presentation, which make it very difficult to read and understand the information presented.

APA Format

____ Points

An occasional error may occur, but the paper is essentially error-free, following APA format in the body of the paper and reference page.

____ Points

Some minor errors (1-3 errors) may occur with APA format but errors are not consistent throughout the paper.

____ Points

Frequent errors (4-5 errors) occur with APA format throughout the paper.

____ Points

Numerous errors (>6 errors) occur with APA format consistently throughout the paper, indicating that little effort was placed on understanding the format guidelines.