Distinguished - Includes all of the suggested revisions of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, and measurement scales.

Proficient - Includes most of the suggested revisions of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, and measurement scales. The revised version is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Includes some of the suggested revisions of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, and measurement scales. The revised version is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Does not include the suggested revisions of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, and measurement scales. The revised version is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The revised version of the introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan, and measurement scales is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly describes plans for using observations, focus groups, interviews, or surveys, including whether or not they are applicable.

Proficient - Describes plans for using observations, focus groups, interviews, or surveys, including whether or not they are applicable; however, the plans and/or discussion of whether or not they are applicable is slightly underdeveloped. 

Basic - Partially describes plans for using observations, focus groups, interviews, or surveys, including whether or not they are applicable; however, the plans and/or discussion of whether or not they are applicable are underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to describe plans for using observations, focus groups, interviews, or surveys, including whether or not they are applicable; however, the plans and/or discussion of whether or not they are applicable are significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The description of plans for using observations, focus groups, interviews, or surveys, including whether or not they are applicable is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the references page are correctly formatted following APA style guidelines.

Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the references page are correctly formatted following APA style guidelines.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the references page are correctly formatted following APA style guidelines.

Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Few, if any, sources on the references page are correctly formatted following APA style guidelines.

Non-Performance - The inclusion of an APA-formatted references list 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 - 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 - 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 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.