Distinguished - The proposed study is thoroughly described including the research design, sampling strategy, and data collection procedures and measures.  All sections are complete and detailed.

Proficient - The proposed study is described including the research design, sampling strategy, and data collection procedures and measures.  Minor details are missing.

Basic - The proposed study is partially described including the research design, sampling strategy, and data collection procedures and measures.  Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - The proposed study is vaguely described; however, significant details are missing from two or more of the following sections: research design, sampling strategy, and data collection procedures and measures. 

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

Distinguished - All statements in the Design of the Proposed study are supported by cited peer-reviewed references.

Proficient - Most (90% or more) statements in the Design of the Proposed study are supported by cited peer-reviewed references.

Basic - At least 75% of statements in the Design of the Proposed study are supported by cited peer-reviewed references.

Below Expectations - Less than 75% of the statements in the Design of the Proposed study 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 - Thoroughly analyzes concerns regarding risks to subject in the proposed study.  Solutions are given for all identified potential risks.

Proficient - Analyzes concerns regarding risks to subject in the proposed study.  Solutions are given for most identified potential risks.  The analysis is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Minimally analyzes concerns regarding risks to subject in the proposed study.  Solutions are given for some identified potential risks. The analysis is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide an analysis of risks to subject in the proposed study; however,   solutions are not give for any identified potential risks, and the analysis is significantly underdeveloped.

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

Distinguished - The budget justification section is complete and provides a thorough explanation/rationale for all items in the proposed budget.

Proficient -The budget justification section is mostly complete and provides an explanation/rationale for all items in the proposed budget.  Minor details are missing.

Basic - The budget justification section is somewhat complete and provides a brief explanation/rationale for all items in the proposed budget. Relevant details are missing. 

Below Expectations - The budget justification section provides only a partial explanation/justification for all items in the proposed budget, or an explanation for some items is missing. 

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

Distinguished - Appendix A is complete and calculated accurately and does not exceed the maximum amount available for the proposed study.

Proficient - Appendix A is mostly complete and calculated accurately, although one or two minor errors may be present.  The budget does not exceed the maximum amount available for the proposed study.

Basic - Appendix A is somewhat complete and calculated accurately, although three or more minor errors may be present.  The budget does not exceed the maximum amount available for the proposed study.

Below Expectations - Appendix A contains significant errors in calculation or the budget does not conform to the guidelines (e.g., maximum funding available) for the proposed study.

Non-Performance -Appendix A (Budget) 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. 

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.