Distinguished - Clearly and effectively introduces the research topic, thoroughly explains why it is important, and presents an appropriately narrowly defined research question and/or hypothesis. Clearly states whether the proposed study is a replication of a previous study or a new approach employing methods that have not been used before.

Proficient - Clearly introduces the research topic, explains why it is important, and presents a research question and/or hypothesis which may not be sufficiently narrowly defined. States whether the proposed study is a replication of a previous study or a new approach employing methods that have not been used before. Minor details are missing or unclear.

Basic - Introduces the research topic, partially explains why it is important, and presents a research question and/or hypothesis which are not adequately defined. May not state whether the proposed study is a replication of a previous study or a new approach employing methods that have not been used before. Relevant details are missing and/or unclear

Below Expectations - Attempts to introduce the research topic, explain why it is important, and present a research question and/or hypothesis; however, does not state whether the proposed study is a replication of a previous study or a new approach employing methods that have not been used before, and significant details are missing and unclear.

Non Performance - The introduction of the research topic, research question, and/or hypothesis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively and effectively summarizes the current state of knowledge on the chosen topic and evaluates a minimum of three published peer-reviewed studies. Clearly identifies and thoroughly compares the research methods used and the findings of previous research on the topic.

Proficient - Effectively summarizes the current state of knowledge on the chosen topic by evaluating at least two published peer-reviewed studies. Identifies and compares the research methods used and the findings of previous research relevant to the topic. Minor details are missing or unclear.

Basic - Summarizes the current state of knowledge on the chosen topic by presenting the methods and/or findings of two research studies. The summary is underdeveloped and relevant details are missing and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge on the chosen topic; however, the articles discussed are not primary research studies and significant details are missing and unclear.

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

Distinguished - Creates an exceptionally feasible and coherent research design that incorporates appropriate methods to address the topic. Thoroughly describes detailed plans for the methodological approach, research design, sampling strategy, data collection procedures and/or measures, and data analysis techniques. Uses at least two peer-reviewed sources to support methodological choices.

Proficient - Creates a feasible and coherent research design that incorporates appropriate methods to address the topic. Describes plans for the methodological approach, research design, sampling strategy, data collection procedures and/or measures, and data analysis techniques. Uses fewer than two peer-reviewed sources to support methodological choices.

Basic -Creates a plan for a somewhat feasible research design to address the topic. Minimally describes plans for the methodological approach, research design, sampling strategy, data collection procedures and/or measures, and data analysis techniques. One or more of these areas may be missing from the plan, or there may be no citations of peer-reviewed sources to support methodological choices.

Below Expectations - Attempts to create a plan for a research design to address the topic, including the methodological approach, research design, sampling strategy, data collection procedures and/or measures, and data analysis techniques. One or more of these areas is missing from the plan, or the planned approach is not feasible and coherent. Elements of the plan are not supported by citations of peer-reviewed sources about research methods.

Non Performance - The detailed description of the research design is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly analyzes the impact of ethical concerns on the proposed study, such as confidentiality, deception, informed consent, potential harm to participants, conflict of interest, IRB approval, etc., clearly and thoroughly indicating what will be done to handle all applicable ethical concerns.

Proficient - Analyzes the impact of ethical concerns on the proposed study, such as confidentiality, deception, informed consent, potential harm to participants, conflict of interest, IRB approval, etc., indicating what will be done to handle all applicable ethical concerns. Minor details are missing or unclear.

Basic - Minimally analyzes the impact of ethical concerns on the proposed study, such as confidentiality, deception, informed consent, potential harm to participants, conflict of interest, IRB approval, etc., vaguely indicating what will be done to handle all applicable ethical concerns. Relevant details are missing and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Attempts to analyze the impact of ethical concerns on the proposed study, such as confidentiality, deception, informed consent, potential harm to participants, conflict of interest, IRB approval, etc.; however, does not explain how any ethical concerns will be handled and significant details are missing and unclear.

Non Performance - The analysis of ethical concerns pertaining to the proposed study is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Conclusion is thoroughly developed and thoroughly summarizes the major points of the research design and reiterates why the proposed study is needed.

Proficient - Conclusion is mostly developed and adequately summarizes the major points of the research design and reiterates why the proposed study is needed.

Basic - Conclusion is minimally developed and marginally summarizes the major points of the research design. May not reiterate why the proposed study is needed.

Below Expectations - Conclusion is present, although it is incomplete. It may not include all of the major points of the research design, and it may not mention why the proposed study is needed.

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

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for a full understanding.

Proficient - Clearly explains the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.

Basic - Briefly explains the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.

Below Expectations - Briefly explains the issue to be considered, but may not deliver additional information necessary for a basic understanding.

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

Distinguished - Employs persuasive and applicable information from credible sources to develop an ample analysis or synthesis of the topic. Viewpoints of experts are scrutinized thoroughly.

Proficient - Employs applicable information from credible sources to develop an analysis of the topic.

Basic - Identifies applicable information from credible sources, but may neglect the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic. 

Below Expectations - Presents information from external sources, but such information may lack credibility and/or relevance. Neglects to apply such information toward the analysis of the topic.

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

Distinguished - Develops a logical, consistent plan to solve a problem. Identifies consequences of the solution and clearly communicates the reason for choosing the solution.

Proficient - Carefully chooses among alternatives and develops a logical, consistent approach to problem solving.

Basic - Takes into account and eliminates less acceptable approaches to problem solving.

Below Expectations - Takes into account a single approach and uses the approach to problem solve.

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

Distinguished - Uses appropriate, pertinent, and persuasive content to discover and develop sophisticated ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.

Proficient - Uses appropriate and pertinent content to discover ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.

Basic - Uses appropriate and pertinent content but does not apply it toward discovering or developing ideas. Overall, content assists in shaping the written work.

Below Expectations - Uses content, though it may be unrelated or inappropriate to the topic. Content does not contribute toward the development of the written work and may distract the reader from its purpose.

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 page, and reference page.

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

Basic - Exhibits limited 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 length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages.   

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

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

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