research paper

Expert

Proficient

Apprentice

Novice

Integration of Knowledge

The paper demonstrates that the author fully understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Concepts are integrated into the writer’s own insights. The writer provides concluding remarks that show analysis and synthesis of ideas.

The paper demonstrates that the author, for the most part, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Some of the conclusions, however, are not supported in the body of the paper.

The paper demonstrates that the author, to a certain extent, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course.

The paper does not demonstrate that the author has fully understood and applied concepts learned in the course.

Topic focus

The topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment. A thesis statement provides direction for the paper, either by statement of a position or hypothesis.

The topic is focused but lacks direction. The paper is about a specific topic but the writer has not established a position.

The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment.

The topic is not clearly defined.

Depth of discussion

In-depth discussion & elaboration in all sections of the paper.

In-depth discussion & elaboration in most sections of the paper.

The writer has omitted pertinent content or content runs-on excessively. Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessively.

Cursory discussion in all the sections of the paper or brief discussion in only a few sections.

Cohesiveness

Ties together information from all sources. Paper flows from one issue to the next without the need for headings. Author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

For the most part, ties together information from all sources. Paper flows with only some disjointedness. Author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

Sometimes ties together information from all sources. Paper does not flow - disjointedness is apparent. Author's writing does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

Does not tie together information. Paper does not flow and appears to be created from disparate issues. Headings are necessary to link concepts. Writing does not demonstrate understanding any relationships

Spelling and grammar

No spelling &/or grammar mistakes.

Minimal spelling &/or grammar mistakes.

Noticeable spelling & grammar mistakes.

Unacceptable number of spelling and/or grammar mistakes.

Sources

More than 5 current sources, of which at least 3 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. Sources include both general background sources and specialized sources. Special-interest sources and popular literature are acknowledged as such if they are cited. All web sites utilized are authoritative.

5 current sources, of which at least 2 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books.  All web sites utilized are authoritative.

Fewer than 5 current sources,  or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are credible.

Fewer than 5 current sources, or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. Not all web sites utilized are credible, and/or sources are not current.

Citations

Cites all data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.

Cites most data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.

Cites some data obtained from other sources. Citation style is either inconsistent or incorrect.

Does not cite sources.

Expert

Proficient

Apprentice

Novice

Integration of Knowledge

The paper demonstrates that the author fully understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Concepts are integrated into the writer’s own insights. The writer provides concluding remarks that show analysis and synthesis of ideas.

The paper demonstrates that the author, for the most part, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Some of the conclusions, however, are not supported in the body of the paper.

The paper demonstrates that the author, to a certain extent, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course.

Topic focus

The topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment. A thesis statement provides direction for the paper, either by statement of a position or hypothesis.

The topic is focused but lacks direction. The paper is about a specific topic but the writer has not established a position.

The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignment.

Depth of discussion

In-depth discussion & elaboration in all sections of the paper.

In-depth discussion & elaboration in most sections of the paper.

The writer has omitted pertinent content or content runs-on excessively. Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessively.

Cohesiveness

Ties together information from all sources. Paper flows from one issue to the next without the need for headings. Author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

For the most part, ties together information from all sources. Paper flows with only some disjointedness. Author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

Sometimes ties together information from all sources. Paper does not flow - disjointedness is apparent. Author's writing does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources.

Spelling and grammar

No spelling &/or grammar mistakes.

Minimal spelling &/or grammar mistakes.

Noticeable spelling & grammar mistakes.

Sources

More than 5 current sources, of which at least 3 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. Sources include both general background sources and specialized sources. Special-interest sources and popular literature are acknowledged as such if they are cited. All web sites utilized are authoritative.

5 current sources, of which at least 2 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books.  All web sites utilized are authoritative.

Fewer than 5 current sources,  or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are credible.

Citations

Cites all data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.

Cites most data obtained from other sources. APA citation style is used in both text and bibliography.

Cites some data obtained from other sources. Citation style is either inconsistent or incorrect.

CRITERIA

Excellent

4

Good

Acceptable

Does not meet

Expectations

Score

Structure

Structure is clear and enhances readability; titles and paragraphs used convincingly to support the structure of the text

Structure is mostly clear; titles and paragraphs used appropriately

Structure mostly clear but less convincing; some titles and paragraphs used

Unclear structure; little or no use of titles and paragraphs

Sources

Excellent and varied use of appropriate materials and sources including other sources than the textbook

Appropriate materials and sources used; less creativity in selection of materials and sources

Less use of materials and sources; concerns about quality of sources used

Little or insecure use of materials and sources; use of inappropriate materials and sources

Writing

Well written and organized; clear; easy to follow

Writing is mostly clear and understandable; reasonably easy to follow

Adequately written and organized but less secure; less easy to follow

Poorly written and organized; unclear; hard to follow

Content

Answers all aspects of assignment given in a convincing manner; topic adequately covered in depth; convincing arguments made and innovative conclusions drawn

Adequately answers all aspects of assignment given; good arguments presented and conclusions drawn

Adequate answers to some but not all aspects of the assignment; less secure argumentation and less convincing conclusions made

Superficial treatment of one or more aspects of the assignment; incorrect information presented

Style and presentation

Reasonable length (between 1,000-1,500 words); fluently written throughout; adequate punctuation and spelling; correct in-text referencing and citation style followed

Reasonable length (between 1,000-1,500 words); fluently written overall; adequate punctuation and spelling; secure in-text referencing and citation style

Reasonable length (between 1,000-1,500 words); less fluently written; some mistakes in punctuation and spelling; some mistakes in-text referencing and citation style

Too short (<1,000 words) or too long (>1,500 words); difficult to read, incorrect punctuation and spelling; no references or incorrect in-text referencing and citation style

TOTAL POINTS (OUT OF 10):

CRITERIA

Excellent

(4 points)

Good

(3 points)

Acceptable

(2 points)

Does not meet expectations

(1 point)

Score

Content

An abundance of material clearly related to subject area; points are clearly made, innovative and supported by evidence; varied use of materials and sources including other sources than the textbook

Sufficient information that relates to subject area; many good points made; evidence of some variation in choice of materials and sources

Acceptable points made but there is insufficient information presented; less secure mastery of theory/concepts; little variation in use of materials and sources

Points unclear, insufficiently understood and/or with little relation to subject area; content is narrow and does not cover all aspects of subject area; insufficient use of materials and sources

Creativity

Very original presentation of material; uses the unexpected to full advantage; points made in a very convincing manner

Original presentation; creative use of materials/media

Some originality apparent; good variety and blending of materials/media

Little or no variation; material presented with little originality or interpretation

Speaking skills and group participation

Clear articulation; proper volume; steady rate; good posture and eye contact; enthusiasm; confidence; all group members equally involved in presentation

Clear articulation; acceptable volume and rate, posture and eye contact; less enthusiastic and/or confident; all group members involved in presentation

Some mumbling; varying volume or rate; insecure posture and/or eye contact; less enthusiastic and/or confident; most but not all group members involved in presentation

More mumbling; too hasty or too slow volume; insecure posture; little eye contact; insecure enthusiasm and confidence; unequal involvement of group members in presentation

Interaction with audience

Involved the audience in the presentation; held the audience’s attention throughout; convincing answers to all questions

Less involvement of the audience in the presentation; held the audience’s attention most of the time; good response to questions

Little involvement of the audience in the presentation; audience lost attention a few times during presentation; acceptable answers to some but not all questions

Little involvement of audience; audience lost attention several times during presentation; insecure or wrong answers to questions

Length of Presentation

Within the allotted time

Within a few minutes of allotted time +/-

Within several minutes of allotted time +/-

More than 5 minutes above or below the allotted time

TOTAL POINTS (OUT OF 5):