Distinguished - The introduction identifies the chosen article by title and authors. The research question or the hypothesis guiding the study is correctly stated.

Proficient - The introduction identifies the chosen article by title and/or authors. The research question or the hypothesis guiding the study is correctly stated, but some relevant details may be missing.

Basic - The introduction identifies the chosen article either by title or authors, but not both. The research question or the hypothesis guiding the study is incorrectly stated, or relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - The introduction attempts to identify the chosen research article and state its research question or hypothesis; however, the article is not identified by its title and/or authors and the research question or hypothesis is not correctly stated. Significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The choice of research article and statement of the research question or hypothesis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly differentiates between qualitative or quantitative research methods and terminology and specifies which approach is used in the study. The specification is supported by substantial evidence from the text and scholarly sources.

Proficient - Differentiates between qualitative or quantitative research methods and terminology and specifies which approach is used in the study. The specification is mostly supported by evidence from the text and scholarly sources.

Basic - Partially differentiates between qualitative or quantitative research methods and terminology and specifies which approach is used in the study. The specification is somewhat supported by minimal evidence from the text and scholarly sources.

Below Expectations - Attempts to differentiate between qualitative or quantitative research methods and terminology and specify which approach is used in the study; however, the specification is not supported by evidence from the text and scholarly sources.

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

Distinguished - Identifies a psychology research area and provides a strong, feasible explanation of how this research area applies to the chosen study. The explanation is detailed and supported by evidence from the text or scholarly sources.

Proficient - Identifies a psychology research area and provides a mostly feasible explanation of how this research area applies to the chosen study. The explanation is supported by evidence from the text or scholarly sources. Minor details are missing or inaccurate.

Basic - Identifies a psychology research area and provides a marginally feasible explanation of how this research area applies to the chosen study. The explanation is somewhat supported by evidence from the text or scholarly sources. Relevant details are missing or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Identifies a psychology research area and explain how this research area applies to the chosen study; however, the explanation is not feasible or supported by evidence from the text or scholarly sources. Significant details are missing or inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The identification of a psychology research area is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly summarizes ethical issues addressed in the article, comprehensively analyzes the ethical principles applied, and fully mentions omitted ethical concerns that may be important.

Proficient - Summarizes ethical issues addressed in the article, analyzes the ethical principles applied, and discerns omitted ethical concerns that may be important. The summary or analysis underdeveloped or omitted ethical issues may not be mentioned.

Basic - Partially summarizes ethical issues addressed in the article, minimally analyzes the ethical principles applied, but does mention omitted ethical concerns that may be important. The summary or analysis is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize ethical issues addressed in the article, and analyze the ethical principles applied; however, the summary and analysis are significantly underdeveloped and omitted ethical concerns were not mentioned.

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

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

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

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

Below Expectations - Briefly recognizes 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 -Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Proficient -Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Basic -Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident, but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Below Expectations -Organization and presentation of content is extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.

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 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 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 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 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.