Distinguished - The peer reviews provide details and specific comments on the specific aims for both of the studies that were reviewed.

Proficient - The peer reviews provide comments on the specific aims for both of the studies that were reviewed, but the comments are lacking in detail for one of the reviews.

Basic - The peer reviews provide comments on the specific aims for both of the studies that were reviewed, but the comments are brief and lacking in detail for both reviews.

Below Expectations - The peer reviews provide minimal comments on the specific aims for both of the studies that were reviewed, or only one study was reviewed.

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

Distinguished - The peer reviews critically address any gaps or weaknesses in the background and significance sections of both proposals and provide the authors with at least three specific suggestions each for improvement.

Proficient - The peer reviews address any significant gaps or weaknesses in the background and significance sections of both proposals and provide the authors with at least two specific suggestions each for improvement.

Basic - The peer reviews somewhat address gaps or weaknesses in the background and significance sections of both proposals and provide the authors with at least one specific suggestion each for improvement.

Below Expectations - The peer reviews minimally address gaps or weaknesses in the background and significance sections of both proposals and provide at least one suggestion for improvement, or only one study was reviewed.

Non-Performance - The Comments on Background and Significance is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Both reviews thoroughly describe the strengths and weaknesses of the research methodology for each study and include at least one comment for improving the Proposed Study section of the each proposal.  The reviews comment on the appropriateness of the study population in both proposals.

Proficient - Both reviews describe the strengths and weaknesses of the research methodology for each study and include one comment for improving the Proposed Study section of the each proposal.  The reviews comment on the appropriateness of the study population in both proposals. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Both reviews minimally describe the strengths and weaknesses of the research methodology for each study and include one comment for improving the Proposed Study section of the each proposal.  The reviews briefly comment on the appropriateness of the study population in both proposals. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Both reviews describe the strengths and weaknesses of the research methodology for each study; however, they do not include a comment for improving the Proposed Study section of the each proposal, or comment on the appropriateness of the study population in both proposals. Significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The Research Methods and Study Population 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 - 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 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.

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 - 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.