This document outlines a rubric for evaluating an epidemiology paper on descriptive methodology. The rubric assesses the paper based on several criteria on a scale of 0-5, including: - Demonstrating an understanding of descriptive epidemiology and its relationship to nursing science and public health nursing. - Using contemporary theories, concepts, and examples to identify, analyze, and apply descriptive epidemiology. - Demonstrating knowledge of health disparities and variables contributing to disparities in at-risk populations. - Organization, argument logic, mechanics of writing, formatting, and inclusion of citations are also criteria assessed in the rubric. The rubric will be used to evaluate the quality of epidemiology papers

1. Apply Rubrics
Epidemiology Paper Part One: Descriptive Method
1
Unsatisfactory
0.00%
2
Less Than Satisfactory
74.00%
3
Satisfactory
79.00%
4
Good
87.00%
5
Excellent
100.00%
70.0 %Content
20.0 %Demonstrates an Understanding of Descriptive
Epidemiology and Its Relationship to Nursing Science and
Public Health Nursing
Paper does not demonstrate an understanding of descriptive
epidemiology or its relationship to nursing science and public
health nursing.
Paper shows a vague understanding of descriptive
epidemiology, but does not demonstrate an understanding of the
relationship to nursing science and public health nursing.
Paper illustrates a general understanding of descriptive
epidemiology, and shows a general relationship to nursing
science and public health nursing, but lacks a clear
understanding of data collection, conditions, or distribution and
determinants in relationship to disease in populations.

2. Paper illustrates a theoretical understanding of descriptive
epidemiology through an accurate discussion of distribution and
disease determinants in populations. Paper demonstrates the
functional relationship between descriptive epidemiology and
nursing science and public health nursing.
Paper illustrates a theoretical and conceptual understanding of
descriptive epidemiology and offers insight into using specific
conditions (outcomes of exposure, person, place, etc.) to
identify specific patterns. Paper shows the significant
relationship between descriptive epidemiology and
contemporary nursing science and public health nursing.
20.0 %Uses Contemporary Theories, Concepts, and Examples
That Demonstrate an Ability to Identify, Analyze, and Apply
Descriptive Epidemiology
Paper does not use contemporary theories, concepts, or
examples as support or in the analysis of the paper.
Paper uses some aspects of contemporary theories and concepts
throughout the paper, but no relevant examples are used.
Overall, the concepts and theories used are incomplete or
inaccurate and do not support the analysis or application of
descriptive epidemiology.
Paper uses contemporary theories and concepts throughout the
paper, and general examples are used for support. Overall, the
concepts and theories used are very general and offer only
minor support of the analysis or application of descriptive
epidemiology presented in the paper.
Paper uses contemporary theories and concepts throughout the
paper. Accurate and strong examples are used for support.
Overall, the concepts and theories provide support of the
analysis and application of descriptive epidemiology presented
in the paper.
Paper uses contemporary theories and concepts throughout the
paper. Accurate and strong examples are used for support.
Overall, the concepts and theories provide support of the
analysis and application of descriptive epidemiology presented

3. in the paper.
20.0 %Demonstrates Knowledge of Health Disparities and the
Variables Contributing to Health Disparity or At-Risk
Populations
Paper does not demonstrate knowledge of health disparities, or
of the variables contributing to health disparity or at-risk
populations.
Paper demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the concept of
health disparities, but does not demonstrate knowledge of the
dimensions of disparity in a realistic setting, or of the variables
contributing to the disparity or at-risk populations.
Paper demonstrates general knowledge of the dimensions of
health disparities that occur in a realistic setting and identifies
some general variables contributing to the disparity and the at-
risk populations.
Paper demonstrates knowledge of the dimensions of health
disparities that occur in a realistic setting and identifies specific
variables contributing to health disparities and at-risk
populations.
Paper demonstrates keen knowledge and unbiased insight
pertaining to the dimensions of health disparities that occur in a
realistic setting. Paper identifies significant variables from a
broad spectrum that contribute to health disparities and at-risk
populations.
10.0 %Six to Eight Additional Scholarly Research Sources With
In-Text Citations
None of the required elements (minimum of six topic-related
scholarly research sources and six in-text citations) are present.
Not all required elements are present. One or more elements are
missing and/or included sources are not scholarly research or
topic-related.
All required elements are present. Scholarly research sources
are topic-related, but the source and quality of one or more
references is questionable.

4. All required elements are present. Scholarly research sources
are topic-related and obtained from reputable, professional
sources.
All required elements are present. Scholarly research sources
are topic-related, and obtained from highly respected,
professional, original sources.
20.0 %Organization and Effectiveness
7.0 %Thesis Development and Purpose
Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.
Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or
vague; purpose is not clear.
Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to
purpose.
Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development
of the paper. It is descriptive and reflective of the arguments
and appropriate to the purpose.
Thesis and/or main claim are comprehensive. The essence of the
paper is contained within the thesis. Thesis statement makes the
purpose of the paper clear.
8.0 %Argument Logic and Construction
Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The
conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is
incoherent and uses noncredible sources.
Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks
consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some
sources have questionable credibility.
Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The
argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument
logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources
used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the
thesis.
Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of
argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of

5. claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are
authoritative.
Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim
in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are
authoritative.
5.0 %Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation,
grammar, language use)
Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede
communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or
sentence construction are used.
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader.
Inconsistencies in language choice (register) and/or word choice
are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.
Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly
distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure
and audience-appropriate language are employed.
Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may
be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence
structures and figures of speech.
Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic
English.
10.0 %Format
5.0 %Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and
assignment)
Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is
rarely followed correctly.
Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or
mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.
Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although
some minor errors may be present.
Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors
in formatting style.
All format elements are correct.

6. 5.0 %Research Citations (in-text citations for paraphrasing and
direct quotes, and reference page listing and formatting, as
appropriate to assignment and style)
No reference page is included. No citations are used.
Reference page is present. Citations are inconsistently used.
Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper.
Sources are appropriately documented, although some errors
may be present.
Reference page is present and fully inclusive of all cited
sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style is
usually correct.
In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct.
The documentation of cited sources is free of error.
100 %Total Weightage