Distinguished - Includes all of the suggested revisions of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, measurement scales, observation plans, and survey plans.

Proficient - Includes most of the suggested revisions of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, measurement scales, observation plans, and survey plans. The revised version is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Includes some of the suggested revisions of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, measurement scales, observation plans, and survey plans. The revised version is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Does not include the suggested revisions of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, measurement scales, observation plans, and survey plans. The revised version is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The revised version of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, measurement scales, observation plans, and survey plans is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly describes plans for analyzing data as well as the plan for how to present the results.

Proficient - Describes plans for analyzing data including the plan for how to present the results; however, the description or the plan of how to present the results is slightly underdeveloped

Basic - Describes plans for analyzing data including the plan for how to present the results; however, the description and/or the plan of how to present the results are underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to describe plans for analyzing data including the plan for how to present the results; however, the description and/or the plan of how to present the results are significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The description of plans for analyzing data as well as the plan for how to present the results are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Includes a complete references list correctly formatted according to APA style guidelines.

Proficient - Includes a references list mostly formatted according to APA style guidelines.

Basic - Includes a limited references list minimally formatted according to APA style guidelines.

Below Expectations - Includes a minimal references list that is not formatted according to APA style guidelines.

Non-Performance - The references list 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 - 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.