Distinguished -Comprehensively summarizes the current state of knowledge on the topic by citing previous peer-reviewed research studies including the ones listed in the Week 2 Annotated Bibliography.  The literature fully review supports the need for the proposed study, either as a replication and confirmation of a previous study or extension into an underexplored area of this topic.

Proficient - Summarizes the current state of knowledge on the topic by citing previous peer-reviewed research studies including the ones listed in the Week 2 Annotated Bibliography.  The literature review supports the need for the proposed study, either as a replication and confirmation of a previous study or extension into an underexplored area of this topic. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Partially summarizes the current state of knowledge on the topic by citing previous peer-reviewed research studies including the ones listed in the Week 2 Annotated Bibliography.  The literature review minimally supports the need for the proposed study, either as a replication and confirmation of a previous study or extension into an underexplored area of this topic. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge on the topic by citing previous peer-reviewed research studies; however, does not include the ones listed in the Week 2 Annotated Bibliography,   the literature review does not support the need for the proposed study, either as a replication and confirmation of a previous study or extension into an underexplored area of this topic, and significant details are missing.

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

Distinguished - The significance section thoroughly explains how the proposed study will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability and or clinical practice in the field of study.

Proficient - The significance section explains how the proposed study will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability and or clinical practice in the field of study. Minor details are missing.

Basic - The significance section partially explains how the proposed study will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability and or clinical practice in the field of study. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - The significance section does not explain how the proposed study will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability and or clinical practice in the field of study. Significant details are missing.

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

Distinguished - All statements in the Background and Significance sections are supported by cited peer-reviewed references.

Proficient - Most (90% or more) statements in the Background and Significance sections are supported by cited peer-reviewed references.

Basic - At least 75% of statements in the Background and Significance sections are supported by cited peer-reviewed references.

Below Expectations - Less than 75% of the statements in the Background and Significance sections are supported by cited peer-reviewed references.

Non-Performance - The cited research support 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.