Figure 1: Research Paper Rubric

EXPERT PROFICIENT APPRENTICE NOVICE

The paper demonstrates that
the author fully understands
and has applied concepts
INTEGRATION
learned in the course.
OF Concepts are integrated into
KNOWLEDGE the writer’s own insights. The
writer provides concluding
remarks that show analysis
and synthesis of ideas.
The paper demonstrates that
the author, for the most part, The paper does not
The paper demonstrates that
understands and has applied demonstrate that the
the author, to a certain
concepts learned in the author has fully
course. Some of the
extent, understands and has
understood and applied
applied concepts learned in
conclusions, however, are concepts learned in the
the course.
not supported in the body of course.
the paper.

The topic is focused narrowly

enough for the scope of this
TOPIC assignment. A thesis
statement provides direction
FOCUS
for the paper, either by
statement of a position or
hypothesis.
DEPTH OF In-depth discussion &
elaboration in all sections of
DISCUSSION
the paper.
Ties together information
from all sources. Paper flows
from one issue to the next
without the need for
COHESIVENESS headings. Author's writing
demonstrates an
understanding of the
relationship among material
obtained from all sources.
The topic is focused but lacks
direction. The paper is about
The topic is too broad for the The topic is not clearly
a specific topic but the
scope of this assignment. defined.
writer has not established a
position.
The writer has omitted
pertinent content or content Cursory discussion in all
In-depth discussion &
runs-on excessively. the sections of the paper
elaboration in most sections
Quotations from others or brief discussion in
of the paper.
outweigh the writer’s own only a few sections.
ideas excessively.
Does not tie together
For the most part, ties Sometimes ties together
information. Paper does
together information from information from all sources.
not flow and appears to
all sources. Paper flows with Paper does not flow -
be created from
only some disjointedness. disjointedness is apparent.
disparate issues.
Author's writing Author's writing does not
Headings are necessary
demonstrates an demonstrate an
to link concepts. Writing
understanding of the understanding of the
does not demonstrate
relationship among material relationship among material
understanding any
obtained from all sources. obtained from all sources.
relationships

SPELLING & Unacceptable number of

No spelling &/or grammar Minimal spelling &/or Noticeable spelling &
spelling and/or
GRAMMAR mistakes. grammar mistakes. grammar mistakes.
grammar mistakes.

More than 5 current sources,

of which at least 3 are peer-
review journal articles or
scholarly books. Sources
include both general
background sources and
SOURCES specialized sources. Special-
interest sources and popular
literature are acknowledged
as such if they are cited. All
web sites utilized are
authoritative.
Cites all data obtained from
other sources. APA citation
CITATIONS style is used in both text and
bibliography.
Adapted from: Whalen, S. “Rubric from Contemporary Health Issues Research Paper”
http://academics.adelphi.edu/edu/hpe/healthstudies/whalen/HED601_r2.shtml
5 current sources, of which
at least 2 are peer-review
journal articles or scholarly
books. All web sites utilized
are authoritative.
Cites most data obtained
from other sources. APA
citation style is used in both
text and bibliography.
Fewer than 5 current
sources, or fewer than 2
Fewer than 5 current sources,
of 5 are peer-reviewed
or fewer than 2 of 5 are peer-
journal articles or
reviewed journal articles or
scholarly books. Not all
scholarly books. All web sites
web sites utilized are
utilized are credible.
credible, and/or sources
are not current.
Cites some data obtained
from other sources. Citation
style is either inconsistent or
Does not cite sources.
incorrect.