Distinguished - Provides a comprehensively developed list of at least three specific aims that clearly state and justify the goals of the proposed study.

Proficient - Provides a developed list of three specific aims that clearly state and justify the goals of the proposed study. Minor details are missing or unclear.

Basic - Provides a list of at least two specific aims that somewhat state and justify the goals of the proposed study. Relevant details are missing and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Provides a list of specific aims; however, the aims do not state and justify the goals of the proposed study and significant details are missing and unclear.

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

Distinguished - Contains a list and a comprehensive description of at least 10 peer-reviewed articles that clearly show the basis for the specific aims and proposed study.

Proficient - Contains a list and extensive description of at least 10 peer-reviewed articles that show the basis for the specific aims and proposed study.

Basic - Contains a list of at least 10 peer-reviewed articles.  The description of the articles is minimal in at least half of the listed articles.  All of the articles show some relevance to the specific aims of the proposed study. 

Below Expectations - Contains a list of at least 10 peer-reviewed articles, but most of the articles lack a description or the relationship of the article to the specific aims is not clear.

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