Research Paper Rubric Phase I, II, III, and IV

Outstandi ng

Very Good Good Unaccept

able

Integratio n of Knowledg e 25%

The paper demonstra tes that the author understan ds 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 demonstra tes that the author, mostly, understan ds and has applied concepts learned in the course. Some conclusion s, however, are not supported in the body of the paper

The paper demonstra tes that the author, to a certain extent, understan ds and has applied concepts learned in the course

The paper does not demonstra te that the author has understoo d, and applied concepts learned in the course.

Topic Focus 25%

The topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignmen t. A thesis statement provides direction for the paper, either by a 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 establishe d a position.

The topic is too broad for the scope of this assignmen t.

The topic is not clearly defined

Depth of Discussio n 13%

In-depth discussion and elaboratio n in all sections of the paper.

In-depth discussion and elaboratio n in most sections of the paper.

The writer has omitted content. Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas excessivel y.

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

Cohesive ness 13%

Ties together informatio n from all sources. Paper flows from one issue to the next with no headings. Author’s writing demonstra tes an understan ding of the relationshi p among material obtained from all sources

Mostly, it ties together informatio n from all sources. Paper flows with only some disjointedn ess. The author’s writing demonstra tes an understan ding of the relationshi p among material obtained from all sources.

Sometime s ties together informatio n from all sources. Paper does not flow. Disjointed ness is apparent.  The author’s writing does not demonstra te an understan ding of the relationshi p among material obtained from all sources.

It does not tie together informatio n. Paper does not flow and appears to be created from disparate issues. Headings are necessary to link concepts. Writing does not demonstra te understan ding any relationshi p

Spelling and Grammar   12%

Minimal spelling and/or grammar mistakes

Some spelling and or grammar mistakes.

Noticeable spelling and grammar mistakes.

An unaccepta ble number of spelling and/or grammar mistakes

Sources 6%

Over 5 current sources, of which at least 3 are peer- review journal articles or scholarly books. Sources include both general backgroun d sources and specialize d sources. Special- interest sources and popular literature and acknowled ged as such if they are cited. All web sites utilized are authoritativ e.

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

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 6%

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

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

Cites some data obtained from other sources. The citation style is inconsiste nt or incorrect.

It does not cite sources.