RUBRIC: RESEARCH PAPERS

DUE: DAY FIVE (MONDAY)

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE:  25

This is the procedure* I use to check research papers (the rubric is below):

  1. I expect the paper sent in electronic format as an attachment.
  2. I open the paper in MS Word and check the word count using the Tools option (1000-1500 words).
  3. I run spell checker and grammar checker.

If the paper is too short or has excessive spelling and/or grammar errors, I will send it back for corrections and re-submission. Graduate-level papers should not have many problems here. These mechanics are worth two points (out of 25) -- re-submitted papers can earn at most one point for mechanics.

  1. I check the References section. Using the APA Guidelines, I make comments on obvious issues. (I use the Comments feature of MS Word to insert comments.)
  2. I scan the paper for APA issues and highlight them. (I use the Highlight feature of MS Word to highlight in pink any APA problems.)
  3. I run the text through a plagiarism checker to be sure the material is the student's original work or quoted and cited properly.

If the paper has major APA issues or potential direct text copy issues, I send it back with comments. The student may re-submit the paper if the issues were with APA guidelines. The APA guidelines are worth five points (out of 25) -- re-submitted papers can earn at most three points for APA guidelines. Papers with even minor plagiarism are not allowed to be re-submitted and disciplinary action will be taken.

  1. Finally, I read for content, organization, voice, word choice, and sentence fluency (see rubric below). I will use the MS Word Comment feature to make corrective and positive notations.
  2. I will return your paper to your private UOP inbox -- hopefully within three days of submission.

Rubric

Criteria 0 3 5
Content Knowledge
  • Paper demonstrates full knowledge of content.
  • Paper demonstrates authority and expertise.
  • Topic was discussed without bias.
  • Ideas are supported with details, evidence, and/or examples.
     
Research Quality
  • Information is timely and up-to-date.
  • Topic was thoroughly researched.
  • At least three, reliable information sources are used.
  • Paper demonstrates comprehensive, scholarly research.
     
APA Style and Submission Requirements

Excellent resource:  http://www.researchhaven.com/Style/APA.htm

  • Submit as a REPLY TO GROUP to a THREAD message.
  • Submit as an attachment.
  • Create paper in Microsoft Word.
  • In-text citations are properly formatted.
  • References are properly formatted.
  • Margins are one inch and lines are double spaced. Page numbers are properly placed.
  • Paper contains a title page properly formatted.
     
Criteria 0 1 2
Organization
  • The order, structure, or presentation of information is logical and effectively leads to the conclusion.
  • An inviting introduction draws the reader in.
  • A satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of closure and resolution.
  • Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect.
     
Voice
  • The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, and engaging.
  • Writing reflects a strong commitment to the topic by showing why the reader needs to know this.
  • Writing is honest, personal, and engaging with a strong sense of the audience.
  • Writing makes you think about, and react to, your ideas and point of view.
     
Word Choice
  • Choose words that are accurate and specific to the thesis statement. Use action verbs as often as possible.
  • Use words that are striking, fresh, surprising, appropriate.
  • Language and phrasing is natural, effective, and appropriate for the audience.
  • Avoid tired and worn expressions. Instead, use lively words that add energy and depth.
  • Take care to put just the right word or phrase in just the right spot. Avoid slang and needless repetitions.
     
Sentence Fluency
  • Vary sentence length as well as structure.
  • Create purposeful and varied sentence beginnings.
  • Write with an easy flow, rhythm, and cadence.
  • Is it easy to read aloud?
     
Conventions and Mechanics
  • Spelling, capitalization, and grammar are correct.
  • Punctuation is accurate and guides the reader through the text.
  • Paragraphing is sound and reinforces the organizational structure.
  • The writing is sufficiently complex to indicate graduate-level work.
  • The paper should look and sound edited, clean, and polished.
     
TOTAL:      

* My thanks to Craig Barton for sharing his procedures with me.