compare and contrast paper

2 points

4 points

6 points

8 points

10 points

APA format

Failure to conform to APA style basics (font, margins, cover page); organization is poor

Some conformity to APA style but several errors; organization is present but perhaps flawed

Some conformity to APA format but there are some errors present. Subheadings could help with organization.

Conformity to APA is adhered. Organization is good with a few errors.

Full conformity to APA style and format. Organization is perfect.

Citations

References are not cited.

Some references are not cited. Student uses too many direct quotes.

All references are cited but student does not follow APA format or uses too many direct quotes.

All references are cited, minor errors in format.

All references are cited and student follows APA format perfectly.

5-7 peer reviewed resources

Student does not include any references.

Student includes 1-2 references, not peer-reviewed.

Student includes 3-4 peer-reviewed references. Some may not be appropriate to topic.

Student includes 5-6 peer-reviewed references but some may not be appropriate for topic.

Student includes 7 peer-reviewed sources that are appropriate to topic.

Spelling and Grammar

Numerous spelling and grammar errors

Some spelling and grammar errors. Needs significant improvement.

A few spelling and grammar errors present with only mild impairment of reading

(< 2 errors). Very easy to read and understand.

No errors that impede reading. Near perfect

Selected appropriate social issue or research topic

Student did not select a social issue or research topic in psychology.

Social issue or research topic was not appropriate for paper.

Discussion of social issue or research topic needs work.

Social issue or research topic was appropriate for paper. Shows good understanding of issue.

Social issue or research topic was appropriate for paper. Shows excellent understanding of issue.

Applied two historical perspectives

Student did not apply historical perspectives.

Poor application of the historical perspectives.

Average application of the historical perspectives. Needs some work.

Good application of the historical perspectives.

Excellent application of the historical perspectives.

Conclusion

Student did not include conclusion.

Conclusion shows no evidence of critical thinking.

Conclusion shows some evidence of critical thinking.

Conclusion shows good evidence of critical thinking.

Conclusion shows excellent evidence of critical thinking.

Scientific writing style

Uses “I”, “we”, does not write in third person. Writes in a conversational way.

Writes in a conversational way.

Shows some evidence of scientific writing.

Demonstrates good evidence of scientific writing.

Demonstrates excellent evidence of scientific writing.

Introductory paragraph grabs reader’s attention

Intro paragraph is not interesting. Jumps right into studies with no introduction of topic.

Intro paragraph needs significant work.

Intro paragraph needs work to make it more interesting.

Intro paragraph begins in a general way. Includes some interesting information (stats, etc.).

Intro paragraph is interesting and begins in a general way. Grabs reader’s attention.

Title page

No title page included

Several errors, includes unnecessary information

Some errors

Includes most of the required components

Title page follows APA format