Research Paper Evaluation Criteria

10

7

5

1

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.

Quality of Information/

Evidence

*paper is exceptionally researched, extremely detailed, and historically accurate.

**information clearly relates to the thesis.

*information relates to the main topic.

**paper is well-researched in detail and from a variety of sources.

*information relates to the main topic, few details and/or examples are given.

**shows a limited variety of sources.

*information has little or nothing to do with the thesis.

**information has weak or no connection to the thesis.

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 3 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.

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

Fewer than 1 current sources,  or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. All web sites utilized are credible.

No resources 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.

Citation Format

 

 

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.

*conforms to APA rules for formatting and citation of sources with minor exceptions.

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

*frequent errors in APA format.

Does not cite sources.

*lack of APA format/numerous errors.

Works Cited/Bibliography

 

*entries entirely correct as to MLA format.

*entries mostly correct as to MLA format.

*frequent errors in MLA format.

*lack of MLA format/numerous errors.

Scenarios

 

Both scenarios were well developed and supported topic of the research paper

One scenarios was well developed and supported topic of the research paper

Both scenarios were not very well developed and did not supported topic of the research paper

No scenarios were presented