Abstract, if included, does not outline the main points of the research paper. The topic and thesis are unclear.

Abstract does a fair job of capturing the main points. The topic may be included, but the thesis may be unclear and or many supporting details may be missing.

Abstract provides an adequate overview of the research paper; although some information is either left out or too much is included to determine the main points.

Abstract provides an overview of the research paper that is mostly effective. Abstract includes the topic but may miss some important information.

Abstract does an excellent job of capturing the main points of the research paper, controversy, and thesis.

Conclusion, if included, provides little or no closing information and is unable to answer the “So what?” question or provide any solutions.

Conclusion provides some closing information but misses many of the conclusion criteria. The details that are included are vague or do not strongly relate to the topic.

Conclusion provides some closing details, but attempts at answering the “So what?” question and solutions are vague.

Conclusion wraps up the body paragraphs nicely and attempts to answer the “So what” question and to provide a solution.

Conclusion does an excellent job of wrapping up the body paragraphs by providing a strong answer to the “So what?” question and providing a solution.

Includes introduction, literature review, and body paragraphs with no attempt at improvement, or the introduction, literature review, and body paragraphs are not included.

Includes introduction, literature review, and body paragraphs with some of the revisions suggested in feedback, although some improvement is still needed.

Includes introduction, literature review, and body paragraphs with many of the revisions suggested in feedback.

Includes introduction, literature review, and body paragraphs with revisions based upon instructor feedback.

Includes introduction, literature review, and body paragraphs with revisions based upon new knowledge and instructor feedback.

Writing lacks clarity and conciseness. Serious problems with sentence structure and grammar. Numerous major or minor errors in punctuation and/or spelling.

Writing lacks clarity or conciseness. Minor problems with sentence structure and some grammatical errors. Several minor errors in punctuation and/or spelling.

Writing is somewhat clear and concise. Sentence structure and grammar are strong and mostly correct. Few minor errors in punctuation and/or spelling.

Writing is mostly clear and concise. Sentence structure and grammar are strong and mostly correct. Few minor errors in punctuation and/or spelling.

Writing is clear and concise. Sentence structure and grammar are excellent. Correct use of punctuation. No spelling errors.

The majority of sources used are not academically reliable. Reference entries and in-text citations follow APA formatting guidelines, but many errors are present. Several in-text citations do not have references and vice versa.

Some peer-reviewed papers are used along with non-academically reliable sources. Reference entries may somewhat follow APA formatting guidelines; several major errors in in-text citations or references may be present. Some in-text citations do not have references and vice-versa.

Most sources used are peer-reviewed papers, though two or more sources are not academically reliable. Reference entries and in-text citations show effort to follow APA formatting guidelines; several errors in in-text citations or references may be present. Most in-text citations are referenced and vice versa.

The number of sources meets any expressed assignment requirements, and all but one source is a peer-reviewed paper. Reference entries and in-text citations follow APA formatting guidelines fairly well and are usually correct. All in-text citations are referenced and vice versa.

The number of sources meets or exceeds any expressed assignment requirements. Every source used is peer-reviewed or academic in nature. Reference entries and in-text citations follow APA formatting guidelines and are free of errors. All in-text citations are referenced and vice versa.

Demonstrates the ability to locate, identify, collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data to make sound decisions; as well as utilize information and technology to solve a variety of problems for academic, professional, and personal purposes.

The learner fails to demonstrate the ability to develop search strategies to locate, identify, and collect data in support of problem-solving and/or communicating ideas for personal, academic or professional purposes.

The learner exhibits a low level of ability to locate data using common search engines, but without demonstrable ability to differentiate between primary or secondary sources and/or demonstrates a limited ability to interpret data and analyze their own and others’ assumptions when attempting to apply data in support of problem-solving.

The learner exhibits some ability to access a variety of data sources, including library reference services and search engines; demonstrates the ability to collect, organize and analyze data, including some analysis and synthesis of the data into a body of work with at least rudimentary ability to acknowledge and cite sources.

The learner competently demonstrates the ability to collect and analyze data, interpret results to create solutions for problems, evaluate the reliability of information, and make sound decisions through the use of technology.

The learner exhibits an advanced ability to effectively define the scope of the research question, access information using advanced, well-designed search strategies, evaluate resources for relevance and synthesize resources successfully to achieve a specific purpose with clarity and depth, accompanied by accurate acknowledgement and citation of research.