RESEARCH/CAPSTONE PROJECT RUBRIC
Poor; Below Expectations Meets Minimal Expectations
2 pts
1.Title & Abstract Contradicting terms used in title. Title is
5% misleading, cannot be well comprehended.
Abstract is confusing, several key
components were missing.
2.Problem,Background Evidence presented does not support the
& Significance project or problem statement. Major
10 % portions of the background information is
lacking; Cannot be sure how the intent of
this project is going to make a difference.
3.Project Goals/Aims & The project goal was poorly stated and/or
Objectives not implemented in the study. Objectives
5% were listed but were confusing.
Objective of the Project
4.Literature Review Selects & discusses relevant & current
5% research on a few of the obvious aspects of
the topic. Logical sequencing missing and
repetitious style detracts reader.
Insufficient information provided to support
the research topic.
5.Project Design Poor; Below Expectations
5%
Design does not allow adequate test of
hypotheses. Method is seriously flawed.
6.Methods Poor; Below Expectations
5%
Major details missing from the methods;
There is a limited content of the collection
of data. There is confusion as to how the
data were used to draw conclusions.
7.Findings Poor; Below Expectations
2.5 %
Report is incomplete and is not clear.
8.Analysis Poor; Below Expectations
5%
Data is analyzed incorrectly.
9.Discussion Poor; Below Expectations
5%
Missing discussion of some major results in
Proficient; Good
3 pts
Some errors exist in the title but could easily
be replaced. Title meets minimal
requirements. Abstract is not well-
formulated.
Fairly posed statement of the problem that
is somewhat unique.
Some important background information is
missing; It has potentials for improving
current practice, enhancing knowledge, or
making a positive difference in the field.
The project goal was incompletely stated
and/or were not implemented within the
time lines. Objectives were not very clear;
The intent of the project needs minor
review.
Selects and discusses relevant and current
research on a few of the obvious aspects of
the topic. Logical sequencing missing.
Surface level review.
Meets Minimal Expectations
Design is appropriate. Method is seriously
flawed.
Meets Minimal Expectations
Some details may be missing in the
methods sections, but a sensible methods
were presented. Data collected can serve a
purpose important to the project.
Meets Minimal Expectations
Clarity of report needs improvement. All
finding were stated. Minor errors in table
and graph format.
Meets Minimal Expectations
Data analysis has some errors or is
incomplete.
Meets Minimal Expectations
Some results were discussed in terms of
Exemplary; Excellent
4 pts
Title is well formatted, good and very clear.
Somewhat well- formulated Abstract. Clear
introductory sentence(s) that guides the
reader to the problem statement and the
clinical/scientific significance.
Well posed statement of the problem that
provides evidence but the evidence is not as
strong as it could be. Background is
somewhat clear and concise. The intent of
the project alludes to improving current
practice. Some current evidence presented
to justify the significance and relevance of
the topic.
The project goal was well stated and
implemented but not within the time lines.
Objectives were clear.
Selects and discusses relevant and current
research on most of the obvious aspects of
of the research topic in a logical and
interesting way. Sufficient in depth.
Proficient; Good
Design is appropriate. Method provides
awkward, but doable implementation.
Proficient; Good
Somewhat clear list of methods; Plan of
action for collecting was displaying. It is
clearly evident that the data collected
serve a purpose important to the project.
Proficient; Good
Report is generally clear and complete. All
finding were well stated in an appropriate
way and in a good format.
Proficient; Good
Data analysis is clear and made correctly
with minor errors.
Proficient; Good
Most results were discussed in terms of
5 pts
Exemplary, Well formulated title at an
expert level. Exemplary, Well formulated
abstract. Includes all components needed
for an ideal work. All formatted at an expert
level.
Very clearly posed statement of the problem
and supported with high quality (strong)
evidence.
Excellent background information given.
Ample current Evidence/ statistics
presented to support potentials to improve
current practice; enhance knowledge and to
make positive social change.
The project goal was exceptionally stated
and definitely implemented within the time
lines of the proposal. Clearly stated
objective in an exemplary manner.
Selects and discusses
relevant and current research on all
obvious aspects of the research topic in a
logical and interesting way. Review in in-
depth and beyond the obvious.
Exemplary; Excellent
Design is appropriate.
Method provides practical way to
implement the design.
Exemplary; Excellent
Clear list of methods; Well described
methods containing all essential
information. All methods displayed
professionally throughout the entire
project.
Exemplary; Excellent
Reported clearly and is complete. All
findings were presented in a pleasant and
exceptional format. graphs and tables were
attracting and professionally presented.
Exemplary; Excellent
Data analysis is very clear and made
correctly with no errors.
Exemplary; Excellent
Results were well discussed in terms of

10.Conclusion/
Summary
2.5 %
The last paragraph should
be a thorough summary of
the points made within the
essay. The points should
once again be tied back to
the essay purpose. It
should end with a clear
purpose based on the
essay type, such as a "end
with a warning."
11.Formal- Structure -
Organization
7.5 %
format is followed precisely
and APA 6th ed. guidelines
format is smoothly utilized
in all areas. Title page,
headers, footers, and
Works cited page, margins,
font, and line spacing all
correctly done.
12.Grammar/Spelling
5%
All assignments are
expected to meet minimum
standards for proper
English. This means that
grammar, mechanics,
punctuation, spelling and
sentence structure should
all be checked carefully by
the student prior to
submission. Spell check
and grammar check are
useful, but will not catch
everything.
13.Citation &
Referencing
5%
terms of hypotheses, theory, practical
implications, and future research.
Discussion lacks logic.
Poor; Below Expectations
Fails to include a statement that describes
what the sustainability project is trying to
accomplish.
Poor; Below Expectations
Paper demonstrates poor academic writing
skills.
Poorly synthesizes material, makes
inappropriate connections to other topics,
Ideas are fragmented so that it is hard to
understand text.
Poor or weak ability to express thoughts.
Material is poorly organized. Consistent
following of the 6th ed. APA Guidelines is
not observed. Major APA format issues
(more than 5).
Poor; Below Expectations
Major grammatical and spelling errors,
very limited attention paid to detail.
Poor; Below Expectations
Many errors in citation. Citations and the
Reference page may not match up, some
cited work isn’t found on the Reference
page. Much of paper is copied from
sources, no original work is evident. Many
errors in the Reference page. most of the
references are from unreliable sources,
such as Wikipedia.
hypotheses, theory, practical implications,
and future research. Discussion often lacks
logic.
Meets Minimal Expectations
It is included but is unclear.
Does not include a clear statement of what
the sustainability project is trying to
accomplish.
Meets Minimal Expectations
Paper demonstrates acceptable academic
writing skills. The student can synthesize
material, make appropriate connections to
other topics, Mostly clear, concise so that
the content is understandable. Material is
fairly well organized. Following the 6th ed.
APA Guidelines is observed.
APA format issues (3-5).
Meets Minimal Expectations
Grammatical and spelling errors, not
enough attention paid to details. Multiple
errors, but they do not substantially
distract from the content.
Meets Minimal Expectations
Use of professional sources without a
thoughtful summary as to why the sources
are relevant or how they enter into writer's
discussion/critique.The references are not
all from reliable sources. Few are peer
reviewed. APA format is followed.
hypotheses, theory, practical implications,
and future research. Discussion is usually
logical.
Proficient; Good
It is included and is about 50% clear
and/or comprehensive. Includes a clear
statement of what the sustainability project
is trying to accomplish, but isn't articulated
well.
Proficient; Good
Paper demonstrates good academic writing
skills.
Connections between relevant topics is
evident. Content is easy to understand.
Material is well organized. Consistent
following of the 6th ed. APA. Minor APA
format issues
Proficient; Good
Writing mechanics,
word usage, grammar and
spelling contains few
errors that mostly do not effect the paper's
content.
Proficient; Good
All sources cited and conform to APA
citation requirements with minor errors.
Reliability of professional sources. Use of
source information within the paper is
effective and necessary. More than half of
references all not peer reviewed, but are
reputable and reliable sources. The
hypotheses, theory, practical implications,
and future research. Discussion is logical
all-through.
Exemplary; Excellent
It is included and is 100% clear and
comprehensive.
Includes a clear and well articulated
statement of what the sustainability project
is trying to accomplish.
Exemplary; Excellent
Paper demonstrates solid academic writing
skills.
The student expertly:
synthesizes material, makes several
connections between relevant topics. Ideas
are sequenced and logical so that the
content is easy to understand. Clear,
concise Material is exceptionally organized.
Consistent with the 6th ed. APA
Guidelines.
Exemplary; Excellent
Writing mechanics,
word usage, grammar and spelling contain
rare errors that do not effect the paper's
content. Well organized and carefully
edited.
Exemplary; Excellent
All sources cited & conform to APA citation
requirements. Excellent reliability of
professional sources. Follows APA format
with the majority of references being peer
reviewed journals. The Reference page is
formatted correctly, per APA.

14.Originality
5%
All assignments are
expected to reflect original
thoughts and
interpretations of the
information. Direct
quotations should be kept
to a minimum and used
only when they enhance
the message the student is
trying to convey. The topic
posed is only part of the
total. Does student find
interesting angles from
which to explore? All
assignments are expected
to reflect original thoughts
and interpretations of the
information.
15.Length - Word count
2.5 %
16.Oral presentation
10 %
Delivery, Fluency,
Correctness Vocabulary, &
Pronunciation
17.Timelines
2.5 %
Length of Presentation
18.Accuracy &
Understanding Content
2.5 %
The student is able to
demonstrate content
(factual) knowledge and
understanding of material
addressed in question.
The oral presentation
includes all points listed in
the assignment.
19.Scholarly Standards
5%
Poor; Below Expectations
Much of the paper is copied from other
sources, minimal original work is evident.
Direct quotations exceed 20%. Fails to
raise any important questions related to
the topic assigned.
The length of the work exceed the
guidelines by at least 25%.
No interest in presentation.
Little evidence of fluency.
Inaccuracies in grammar throughout.
Errors interfere with comprehensibility and
force interpretation by the listener.
Mispronunciations force the listener to
interpret.
Vocabulary was inadequate for this level.
Poor; Below Expectations
More than 50% of the presentation allotted
time was not used.
Major objectives are not identified.
Insufficient information. Not identifying
some key concept. Most of the points in the
Project Proposal were included in the oral
report. Oral presentation does not reflect
understanding of the content.
Substantial inaccuracies in use of the
references and understanding of the
Meets Minimal Expectations
Most sources cited but there are problems
with the APA citation requirements: with
incorrect information given either in the
sentence or in the parenthetical references.
Direct quotations are between 15-20%.
Minor errors, about 10% more or less of
the length as per guidelines.
Only mild enthusiasm, problems with
comprehensibility, cannot be heard very
well, not very interesting to audience
Consistently uses simple structures,
vocabulary, etc. Some signs of fluency, but
hesitant performance and/or excessively
simple language predominate.
Minor errors with simple structures;
Pronunciation was generally
comprehensible, with few errors but do not
interfere with communication.
Vocabulary tends to be simple. Few
inaccuracies.
Meets Minimal Expectations
Entire presentation was exceeded 10
minutes of allotted time.
Barely touching on the relevant content,
poorly identifying and addressing a key
concept or main idea, not substantiating
points with relevant or accurate examples.
Only or two of the points in the Project
Proposal were missed in the oral report.
Doesn't fully address other viewpoints
and/or doesn't clarify own views. Writer's
Reference page is formatted correctly, per
APA, although there may be minor errors.
Proficient; Good
Raises important questions relevant to the
assigned topic, & answers them with
evidence from professional sources. Paper
clearly reflects write's work originality.
Similarity/direct quotations are between
10-15%.
Evidence of efforts made to meet the
guidelines.
Moderately enthusiastic, comprehensible,
generally can be heard, and moderately
interesting Communicates confidently using
simple structures; Evidence of fluency
outweighs moments of uncertainty or
stumbling. Consistent accuracy with simple
structures. Minor errors in grammar and
usage. Vocabulary was generally
appropriate, despite limitations.
Proficient; Good
Entire presentation exceeded 5 minutes of
allotted time.
Correctly addressing the most critical
content, identifying and addressing some of
the key concepts or main ideas,
substantiating some points with accurate
examples. Most of the points in the Project
Proposal were included in the oral report.
Writer's perspective
is acceptable but not well sequentially
Exemplary; Excellent
Work reflect clear originality & expertise in
writing reflecting uniqueness at a scholarly
level. Less than 10% of similarity/direct
quotations & are only used to raise
important questions relevant to the
assigned topic.
Exemplary, follow exact guidelines.
Enthusiastic, poised, comprehensible, can
be heard by all, interesting to audience.
Gets the idea across fully with little
hesitation; goes beyond the minimum.
Communicates with ease overall.
Expression was as grammatically accurate
as can be reasonably expected for this
level.
Pronunciation was accurate throughout,
with good rhythm and intonation for this
level.
Knows and uses precise words for the
situation.
Exemplary; Excellent
Entire presentation was within the allotted
time.
All important objectives are identified.
Exemplary understanding of the presented
issue(s) by thoroughly and correctly (1)
addressing the relevant content,
(2)identifying and addressing the key
concepts or main ideas,
(3) substantiating points with several
accurate examples. All of the points in the
Project Proposal were included in the oral
report. It was well presented in a proficient
manner.
Elaborates fully on clearly laying out a
successful path in professional sources. Has
 content. Elaboration of evidence is perspective is acceptable, but not easy to formatted. Follow logical format. Good flow defined the concepts, discussed, and uses
insufficient or not understandable to follow. Attempts to follow logical format, but of paper that reflects writer's opinions clear and effective examples. Answers the
the reader. Does not follow in a logical wonders from one concept to another supported by evidenced-based reports. questions: All opinions supported by clear
format. Does not convey organized without clear flow or Does not address 1 -2 of the questions. evidences. Reflect a clear scholarly work.
thoughts. Does not address most rational. Thoughts are not well organized.
questions. Does not address 3 or more of questions.
20.Overall Impression Project description is there but is confusing; Project is somewhat clearly described. The Clearly described project; The project is Excellent; Solid evidence of its significance
5% not quite sure what issue is being project ties directly to a current or relevant directly tied to a current and relevant issue, to cause a positive social change.
Overall Impression about addressed; not quite sure what the project issue related to the topic, however there gap, or flaw that exists in the field of
the Project is designed to do. No clear evidence of its may be some confusion about the knowledge surrounding the topic. The
significance to cause a positive social reasonableness of carrying out such a project makes sense and seems
change. project. manageable and reasonable to carry out.
Total Score Poor; Below Expectations Meets Minimal Expectations Proficient; Good Exemplary; Excellent
100 %
40/100 - 40% 60/100 - 60% 80/100 - 80% 10/100 - 100%