This rubric evaluates research papers on five levels from unsatisfactory to excellent. It assesses introduction and thesis statement, literature review, references, research method, results and summary, and grammar and format. For each category, it describes the criteria for the different evaluation levels from 1 to 5 in terms of structure, analysis, errors, and adherence to guidelines. The highest level receives a score ranging from 9 to 10 points for that section.

1. Grading Rubric for Research Paper
Level 2 -
Level 1 - Level 3 - Level 4 - Level 5 -
Needs
Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Good Excellent
Improvement
Points Range: 0 (0%) - 5 (5%)
Points Range: 6 (6%) - 6 (6%)
Points Range: 7 (7%) - 7 (7%)
Points Range: 8 (8%) - 8 (8%)
Points Range: 9 (9%) - 10 (10%)
Introduction and Thesis
Statement
The introduction is not included or offers no clear identification
of the main topic or structure of the paper. Thesis statement is
incomplete, unfocused, and/or missing.
The introduction attempts to lead to the main topic but may not
adequately present the structure of the paper. Thesis statement
attempts to state the paper’s purpose in a single sentence, but it
needs improvement in clarity, focus, and/ or conciseness.
The introduction somewhat leads to the main topic but may need
some
clarification; it
somewhat adequately presents the structure of the paper. Thesis
statement states the paper’s purpose in a single sentence, but it
needs improvement.
The introduction leads to the main topic and presents the
structure of the paper. Thesis statement somewhat clearly states
the paper’s purpose in a single sentence.
The introduction is engaging, leads to the main topic, and
presents the structure of the paper. Thesis statement clearly and
concisely states the paper’s purpose in a single sentence that is
engaging and thoughtprovoking.

2. Total Points
Points Range: 0 (0%) - 14 (14%)
Points Range:
15 (15%) -
17 (17%)
Points Range:
18 (18%) -
19 (19%)
Points Range:
20 (20%) -
22 (22%)
Points Range:
23 (23%) -
25 (25%)
Review of Literature
A literature review is present, but ideas are not always
connected, do not flow, and may not be related to the topic.
There
is little to no analysis or synthesis of ideas. Quotations may
often be used instead of summaries or synthesis of ideas.
The literature review is present; however, analysis or synthesis
of all materials needs improvement. Transitions and flow may
be somewhat choppy. Some quotations are used instead of
summaries or synthesis of ideas.
The literature review is present, but analysis or synthesis of
some materials may need improvement. Transitions and flow
could be improved. Some quotations are used instead of
summaries or synthesis of ideas.
The literature review is present, but analysis or synthesis of one
or two materials may be somewhat lacking. Transition and flow

3. may not always be perfectly smooth. Quoted materials are used
only when the specific wording is itself crucial to conveying an
author’s point of view.
The literature review is present and presents a critical analysis
and synthesis of the existing research. Transition and flow are
smooth. Quoted materials are used only when the specific
wording is itself crucial to conveying an author’s point of view.
Total Points
Points Range: 0 (0%) - 8 (8%)
Points Range: 9 (9%) - 10 (10%)
Points Range:
11 (11%) -
11 (11%)
Points Range:
12 (12%) -
13 (13%)
Points Range:
14 (14%) -
15 (15%)
References
The majority of sources used are not academically reliable.
Reference entries and in-text citations follow
APA formatting guidelines, but many errors are present.
Some peerreviewed papers are used along with nonacademically
reliable sources. Reference entries and in-text citations follow
APA formatting guidelines, although some errors may be
present. Many materials listed are cited and vice versa.
Most sources used are peerreviewed papers, though two or more
sources are not academically reliable.

4. Reference entries and intext citations follow APA formatting
guidelines and are usually correct. Most materials listed are
cited and vice versa.
The number of sources meets the assignment requirements, and
all but one source is a peerreviewed paper. Reference entries
and intext citations follow APA formatting guidelines and are
mostly correct. All materials listed are cited and vice versa.
The number of sources meets or exceeds the assignment
requirements. Every source used is peerreviewed or academic in
nature.
Reference entries and intext citations follow APA formatting
guidelines and are free of errors. All materials listed are cited
and vice versa.
Total Points
Points Range: 0 (0%) - 11 (11%)
Points Range:
12 (12%) -
13 (13%)
Points Range:
14 (14%) -
15 (15%)
Points Range:
16 (16%) -
17 (17%)
Points Range:
18 (18%) -
20 (20%)
Research Method
The research method is not entirely supported by recent
literature, or appropriate statistical analysis is not appropriate

5. for the topic or is not feasible.
The research method is
somewhat
justified by similar and recent studies and seems to be
confirmed via statistical analysis when appropriate to the
research question, but it may not be feasible or justifiable in all
respects.
The research method is generally justified by similar and recent
studies and seems to be
confirmed via statistical
analysis when appropriate to the research question, but it may
have elements that could be improved.
The research method is justified by similar and recent studies
and confirmed
via statistical analysis when appropriate to the research
question, but it may have elements that could be improved.
The research method is justified by similar and recent studies
and confirmed
via statistical analysis when appropriate to the research
question.
Total Points
Points Range: 0 (0%) - 11 (11%)
Points Range:
12 (12%) -
13 (13%)
Points Range:
14 (14%) -
15 (15%)

6. Points Range:
16 (16%) -
17 (17%)
Points Range:
18 (18%) -
20 (20%)
Result and
Summary
Results are missing or incorrect data is provided; many
elements may be missing, incorrect, and/or lack analysis. Errors
of experimentation may be incorrect or absent. A summary is
missing; if present, it fails to review or summarize key points
and provide a smooth
transition to the next section.
All data is recorded and organized somewhat clearly. Some
visible observations may be missing. Analysis of data is
provided but may contain some errors. Some errors of
experimentation are provided. A summary is
present, but review/summary may be missing a few key points
and transitions may lack smoothness.
All data is recorded and organized fairly clearly. Many visible
observations are provided. Analysis of data is provided but may
contain a few errors. Errors of experimentation are provided. A
summary is
present, but review/summary may be missing one or two key
points.
Transitions may need some improvement.
All data is recorded and organized fairly clearly. Most or all
visible observations are provided. Analysis of data is provided
but may contain one or two errors. Errors of experimentation
are provided. A summary is
present, but review/summary of key points and/or transitions
may need some improvement.
All data is recorded and organized in a clear manner. All visible
observations are provided, along with complete and correct
analysis of data. Errors of experimentation are provided. A

7. summary is present that reviews or summarizes key points and
provides a smooth transition between sections.
Total Points
Points Range:
0 (0%) - 5 (5%)
Points Range:
6 (6%) - 6 (6%)
Points Range:
7 (7%) - 7 (7%)
Points Range:
8 (8%) - 8 (8%)
Points Range: 9 (9%) - 10 (10%)
Grammar and Format
Writing lacks clarity and conciseness. Significant problems with
sentence structure and grammar. Numerous major and/or minor
errors in punctuation and spelling. Research paper format is not
used, or appropriate format is used, but several elements are
missing or incorrect. A lack of formatting control is apparent.
Writing lacks clarity or conciseness. Minor problems with
sentence
structure and some grammatical errors. Several minor errors in
punctuation and spelling.
Appropriate research paper format is used. APA formatting is
generally correct, although four to five minor errors may be
present.
Writing is fairly clear and concise. Minor errors in sentence
structure and grammar may be present. Few minor errors are
evident in punctuation and/ or spelling. Appropriate research
paper format is used. There are a few minor errors in formatting
according to
APA guidelines.
Writing is mostly clear and concise. Sentence structure and
grammar are strong and mostly correct. Few minor errors are
evident in punctuation and/ or spelling. Appropriate research

8. paper format is fully used. There are one-three minor errors in
formatting according to APA guidelines.
Writing is clear and concise. Sentence structure and grammar
are excellent. Correct use of punctuation. No spelling errors.
Appropriate research paper format is fully used, and all
formatting of the paper is correct according to APA guidelines.
Total Points