Distinguished - Cohesively and clearly describes the topic of the research paper or project in correlation with the course learning outcomes.

Proficient - Adequately describes the topic of the research paper or project in correlation with the course learning outcomes.

Basic - Briefly describes the topic of the research paper or project. The description is somewhat incomplete and may lack a clear connection to the course learning outcomes.

Below Expectations - Attempts to describe the topic of the research paper or project; however, the description is unclear and lacks connection to the course learning outcomes.

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

Distinguished - The introduction and thesis statement are skillfully developed and thoroughly prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - The introduction and thesis statement are mostly developed, and adequately prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Basic - The introduction and thesis statement are present, and loosely prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - The introduction and thesis statement are present, though incomplete. Neither adequately prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Non-Performance - The introduction and thesis statement are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - References are appropriately selected,correctly cited, and clearly relevant to the selected research topic.

Proficient - References are appropriately selected, cited, and relevant to the selected research topic.

Basic - References are appropriately selected and somewhat relevant to the selected research topic. To some extent, citations may be inaccurate.

Below Expectations - References are not appropriately selected, and may be irrelevant to the selected research topic. Citations are inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The references are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly summarizes the required number of scholarly references. The described references clearly relate to the stated thesis or central argument.

Proficient - Summarizes the required number of scholarly references. The described references relate to the stated thesis or central argument.

Basic - Summarizes scholarly references; however, fewer than the required number of references come from the Ashford Library. The described references somewhat relate to the stated thesis or central argument.

Below Expectations - Summarizes fewer than the required number of scholarly references. The described references do not clearly relate to the stated thesis or central argument.

Non-Performance - The annotated bibliography is either non-existent or completely lacks a list of references.

Distinguished - Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Proficient - Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Basic - Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident, but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Below Expectations - Organization and presentation of content is extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.

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

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for a full understanding.

Proficient - Clearly explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.

Basic - Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.

Below Expectations - Briefly recognizes 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 - 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 basic 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 paper meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Proficient - The paper closely meets the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Basic - The paper meets over half of the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Below Expectations - A fraction of the page requirement is completed.

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