Research Plan Rubrick

Education 690: Assessment Rubric/Criteria for Research Plan

Criteria and qualities Poor Good Excellent Point Value

Introduction Section
Topic and Hypothesis or Research Question
Neither implicit nor explicit reference is made to the topic that is to be examined. The hypothesis or research question is not evident.

Readers are aware of the overall problem, challenge, or topic that is to be examined. The hypothesis or research question is stated, but may not be entirely clear or testable.

The topic is introduced, and groundwork is laid as to the direction of the report. The hypothesis is clear and testable. If a research question is used, it poses relevant ideas to examine in the study.
Up to 15 points

Methodology:
Participants
It is not obvious who will serve as the participants for the study, or the population they represent.

Information on the participants is present, but it is unclear as to the number, how they will be selected, or what population they represent.

The number of participants, how they will be selected, and what population they represent are all identified.
Up to 15 points

Methodology: Instruments/ Materials/ Design
There is no mention of an instrument or materials. If an experimental design is required, the discussion as to its use is limited.

A usable instrument or materials are identified, but information as to their worth may not be contained in the report. If an experimental design is required, it is described.

All instruments to be used are clearly identified and justified. Reliability and validity measures are discussed. Experimental design, if needed, is clearly detailed.
Up to 15 points

Methodology:
Procedures
Procedures, if provided, are too limited to identify if the study will be successful.

The procedures section does a fair job in explaining how the sample will be selected, how the design will be implemented, and by who and by what methods the data will be gathered.

The procedures are clear and straight forward. If another researcher wanted to replicate the study, enough information is provided to follow each step.
Up to 15 points

Data Analysis
No discussion is included as to the type of data analysis that will be used.

A description of the techniques(s) that will be used to analyze the study data is included. However, the statistical techniques are either in error, or not justified.

The analysis is justified and correct for how the group(s) are to be formed, the number of groups involved, the number of variables, and the kind of data collected.
Up to 10 points

Time Schedule
No time schedule is presented.

Information is provided as to when the plan will be put into effect. Some time periods are questionable under normal circumstances.

The author made clear and logical estimates as to the amount of time required to conduct the study.
Up to 5 points

Clarity
It is hard to know what the writer is trying to express. Misspelled words, incorrect grammar, and improper punctuation are evident.

Writing is generally clear, but unnecessary words are used. Meaning is sometimes hidden. Paragraph or sentence structure may be repetitive.

Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer incorporates the active voice when appropriate.
Up to 15 points

Timeliness
Material was submitted more than one class late.

Material was submitted up to one class late.

Material is submitted on time.
Up to 10 points

Criteria and qualities	Poor	Good	Excellent	Point Value
Introduction Section Topic and Hypothesis or Research Question	Neither implicit nor explicit reference is made to the topic that is to be examined. The hypothesis or research question is not evident.	Readers are aware of the overall problem, challenge, or topic that is to be examined. The hypothesis or research question is stated, but may not be entirely clear or testable.	The topic is introduced, and groundwork is laid as to the direction of the report. The hypothesis is clear and testable. If a research question is used, it poses relevant ideas to examine in the study.	Up to 15 points
Methodology: Participants	It is not obvious who will serve as the participants for the study, or the population they represent.	Information on the participants is present, but it is unclear as to the number, how they will be selected, or what population they represent.	The number of participants, how they will be selected, and what population they represent are all identified.	Up to 15 points
Methodology: Instruments/ Materials/ Design	There is no mention of an instrument or materials. If an experimental design is required, the discussion as to its use is limited.	A usable instrument or materials are identified, but information as to their worth may not be contained in the report. If an experimental design is required, it is described.	All instruments to be used are clearly identified and justified. Reliability and validity measures are discussed. Experimental design, if needed, is clearly detailed.	Up to 15 points
Methodology: Procedures	Procedures, if provided, are too limited to identify if the study will be successful.	The procedures section does a fair job in explaining how the sample will be selected, how the design will be implemented, and by who and by what methods the data will be gathered.	The procedures are clear and straight forward. If another researcher wanted to replicate the study, enough information is provided to follow each step.	Up to 15 points
Data Analysis	No discussion is included as to the type of data analysis that will be used.	A description of the techniques(s) that will be used to analyze the study data is included. However, the statistical techniques are either in error, or not justified.	The analysis is justified and correct for how the group(s) are to be formed, the number of groups involved, the number of variables, and the kind of data collected.	Up to 10 points
Time Schedule	No time schedule is presented.	Information is provided as to when the plan will be put into effect. Some time periods are questionable under normal circumstances.	The author made clear and logical estimates as to the amount of time required to conduct the study.	Up to 5 points
Clarity	It is hard to know what the writer is trying to express. Misspelled words, incorrect grammar, and improper punctuation are evident.	Writing is generally clear, but unnecessary words are used. Meaning is sometimes hidden. Paragraph or sentence structure may be repetitive.	Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer incorporates the active voice when appropriate.	Up to 15 points
Timeliness	Material was submitted more than one class late.	Material was submitted up to one class late.	Material is submitted on time.	Up to 10 points