6
Research Project Rubric Component Exemplary (3) Adequate (2) Inadequate (1)
Project Overview Effectively and insightfully develops a set of
testable, supportable and impactful study
hypotheses
Develops a set of testable and
supportable hypotheses
Hypotheses are not testable or
justifiable
Justification for
Hypotheses
The introduction section provides a cogent
overview of conceptual and theoretical issues
related to the study hypotheses. Demonstrates
outstanding critical thinking.
The introduction section
provides a logical overview of
conceptual and theoretical
issues related to the study
hypotheses. Demonstrates
competent critical thinking.
Very little support for the conceptual
and theoretical relevant to the study
hypotheses was provided. Provides
little evidence of sound critical
thinking.
Supporting Evidence Provides clearly appropriate evidence to
support position
Provides adequate evidence to
support position
Provides little or no evidence to
support position
Review of Relevant
Research
Sophisticated integration, synthesis, and
critique of literature from related fields. Places
work within larger context.
Provides a meaningful summary
of the literature. Shows
understanding of relevant
literature.
Provides little or no relevant
scholarship
Maintains Purpose /
Focus
The project is well organized and has a tight and
cohesive focus that is integrated throughout the
document
The project has an
organizational structure and the
focus is clear throughout
The document lacks focus or contains
major drifts in focus
Methodology
• Sample
• Procedures
• Measures
• Data analytic plan
Identifies appropriate methodologies and
research techniques (e.g., justifies the sample,
procedures, and measures). Data analytic plan
is suitable to test study hypotheses. Provides
appropriate justification for controls. Project is
feasible
Identifies appropriate
methodologies and research
techniques but some details are
missing or vague
The methodologies described are
either not suited or poorly suited to
test hypotheses. The methodology is
under-developed and/or is not
feasible.
Grammar, Clarity, and
Organization
The manuscript is well written and ideas are
well developed and explained. Sentences and
paragraphs are grammatically correct. Uses
subheadings appropriately.
The manuscript effectively
communicates ideas. The
writing is grammatically correct,
but some sections lack clarity.
The manuscript is poorly written and
confusing. Ideas are not
communicated effectively.
References and Citations Properly and explicitly cited. Reference list
matches citations.
Properly cited. May have a few
instances in which proper
citations are missing.
The manuscript lacks proper citations
or includes no citations