Distinguished - Each of the TAAs was appropriately examined for normality, either graphically via normal probability or normal quantile plots, or more formally with statistical tests. Potential outliers were identified with boxplots.

Proficient - Each of the TAAs was examined for normality, either graphically via normal probability or normal quantile plots, or more formally with statistical tests, but the interpretation of the results was lacking.

Basic - The TAAs were examined for normality, but the cases and controls were not separated.

Below Expectations - Not all of the TAAs were examined for normality, separately in the cancer and normal cohorts.

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

Distinguished - Levels of each of the TAAs are appropriately compared between the cases and controls, with boxplots, t-tests, or nonparametric tests. TAAs that are useful for discriminating between cases and controls are identified.

Proficient - Levels of each of the TAAs are appropriately compared between the cases and controls, with boxplots, t-tests, or nonparametric tests. However, TAAs that are useful for discriminating between cases and controls are not identified.

Basic - The TAA levels in cases and controls are not appropriately compared, either graphically or with more formal statistical procedures. 

Below Expectations - Not all of the TAA levels are compared between cases and controls, and TAAs useful for discriminating between cases and controls are not identified.

Non-Performance -The determination of whether TAA levels are useful for discriminating between cancer cases and controls is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Conclusions and related outcomes are logical and clearly reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Proficient - Conclusions and related outcomes are logical and reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Basic - Conclusions and related outcomes are identified and minimally reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Below Expectations - Conclusions and related outcomes are not logical or reflective of an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

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 - 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.

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 - The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of words.

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of words.

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

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

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