Psychology paper

Research Paper Grading Rubric

CATEGORY Unacceptable Acceptable Good Excellent SCORE 200 total pts

Introduction Doesn’t adequately convey or describe topic and subtopics to be reviewed. Lacks adequate thesis statement(s).

Conveys topic but not key question(s). Describes subtopics to be reviewed. General thesis stated.

Conveys topic and key question(s). Clearly delineates subtopics to be reviewed. General thesis stated.

Strong intro of topic’s key question(s), terms. Clearly delineates subtopics to be reviewed. Specific thesis stated.

10 pts.

Focus and Sequence Material not organized into topic, subtopics or related to topic. Many unclear or nonexistent transitions.

Most material clearly related to subtopic, main topic but not necessarily organized within subtopics. Attempts to provide variety of transitions

All material clearly related to subtopic, main topic, and logically organized within subtopics. Clear, varied transitions linking subtopics and main topic.

All material clearly related to subtopic and main topic. Strong organization and integration of material within subtopics. Strong transitions linking Subtopics and main topic.

30 pts.

Support Few, insignificant, and/or unsub- stantiated sources supporting thesis.

Sources acceptable but not peer-reviewed research.

Good sources providing some support of thesis.

Strong peer-reviewed research supporting thesis.

30 pts.

Conclusion Doesn’t summarize evidence with respect to thesis statement. Doesn’t discuss impact of researched material on topic.

Reviews key conclusions. Some integration with thesis statement. Discusses impact of researched material on topic.

Strong review of key conclusions. Strong integration with thesis state- ment. Discusses impact of researched material on topic.

Strong review of key conclusions. Strong integration with thesis statement. Good discussion of research’s impact on topic.

10 pts.

Writing Mechanics Grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors substantially detract from paper.

Few grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

Grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors rare and do not detract from paper.

No grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

40 pts.

APA and Communication Style

Errors in APA style detract from paper. Informal tone. Choppy writing; awkward or unclear sentences.

Errors in APA style noticeable. Word choice occasionally informal in tone. Writing has some awkward or unclear passages.

Few errors in APA style which do not detract from paper. Writing has minimal awkward or unclear sentences. Scholarly style.

No errors in APA style. Scholarly style. Flows well and easy to read.

40 pts.

Citations and References Reference and citation errors significantly detract from paper.

Two references or citations missing or incorrectly written.

One reference or citation missing or incorrectly written.

All references and citations correctly written and present.

40 pts.