Distinguished - Paper is logically organized with a well-written introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion.

Proficient - Paper is logically organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion.  One of these requires improvement.

Basic - Paper is organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. One or more of the introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require improvement.

Below Expectations - Paper is loosely organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require much improvement.

Non-Performance - The introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides an  exceptionally thorough definition and description of prejudice, stereotype, discrimination, and ingroup vs. outgroup.

Proficient - Provides a sufficient definition and description of prejudice, stereotype, discrimination, and ingroup vs. outgroup. Some relevant details may be missing.

Basic - Provides a minimal definition of prejudice, stereotype, discrimination, and ingroup vs. outgroup, but does not describe these terms. Many details are missing.

Below Expectations - Provides limited information on prejudice in the social world, but does not define and/or describe each of the terms (prejudice,  stereotype, discrimination, and ingroup vs. outgroup) collectively.

Non-Performance - The definition and description is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively examines the social cognitive and societal origins of prejudice and stereotypes, clearly explaining the significance of categorization, ingroup favoritism, norms, etc.

Proficient - Examines the social cognitive and societal origins of prejudice and stereotypes. Some relevant details may be missing regarding categorization, ingroup favoritism, norms, etc.

Basic - Adequately examines the social cognitive and societal origins of prejudice and stereotypes, but provides limited information regarding the impact of categorization, ingroup favoritism, norms, etc.

Below Expectations - Briefly examines the social cognitive and societal origins of prejudice and stereotypes, but provides no information regarding the impact of categorization, ingroup favoritism, norms, etc.

Non-Performance - The examination is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Expertly analyzes the influences on those stereotyped, and offers feasible and realistic strategies to reduce prejudice.

Proficient - Analyzes the influences on those stereotyped, and offers strategies to reduce prejudice. Some relevant details may be missing.

Basic - Analyzes the influences on those stereotyped, but does not offer strategies to reduce prejudice.

Below Expectations - Discusses the influences on those stereotyped, but does not address the consequences of prejudice and discrimination and fails to offer strategies to reduce prejudice.

Non-Performance - The analysis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly evaluates own and others' assumptions and carefully determines the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.

Proficient - Determines own and others' assumptions and clearly identifies the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.

Basic - Determines some assumptions and identifies on a basic level the importance of contexts when presenting a position.

Below Expectations - Recognizes some assumptions, although, such recognition may be incomplete. May inadequately identify the importance of contexts when presenting a position.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Creates meaningful correlations among experiences outside of the classroom to deepen an understanding of field of study and to broaden own viewpoints.

Proficient - Compares life experiences and academic knowledge to distinguish differences, and similarities, as well as acknowledge perspectives other than own.

Basic -Recognizes correlation between life experiences, academic texts, and ideas perceived as similar and related to own interests.

Below Expectations - Briefly comments about connections between life experiences and academic texts.

Non-Performance -The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors, and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors, and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors, which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors, which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.

Basic - Exhibits basic knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements.

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - The paper meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Proficient -The paper closely meets the page requirements stipulated in the assignment description.

Basic -The paper meets over half of the page requirement.

Below Expectations -A fraction of the page requirement is completed.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Provides ample resources and uses the correct amount of sources from the specified search agents.

Proficient - Provides the approximate number of sources, while using some of the correct search agents specified in the assignment instructions.

Basic - Provides over half of the  sources required in the assignment instructions.

Below Expectations - Provides inadequate number of resources and does not include sources from specified search agents.

Non-Performance -The assignment is either non-existent or lacks the components described in the instructions.