Research Thesis Scoring Tool

IRA Standards (2003) addressed: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 5.4 ISTE Standards addressed: TF-I.B1; TF-III.A2; TF -VIII .D1

Thesis Weight

Abstract x .05 =

Introduction x .05 =

Literature Review x .10 =

Methodology x .30 =

Results x .30 =

Conclusions x .10 =

References x .05 =

Style x .05 =

TOTAL

Thesis Evaluation

4-3.9 = Distinguished

3.89-3= Proficient

2.9-1.5 = Developing

1.49-1 = Unsatisfactory

For your thesis to be approved, you must score at least 3 in each category of the rubric.

Component / 4 Distinguished / 3 Proficient / 2 Developing / 1 Unsatisfactory
Abstract (.05) / Abstract clearly and succinctly states the purpose, describes sample, summarizes methodology and major findings in the appropriate academic discourse. Abstract is 100-150 words. / Abstract clearly and succinctly states the purpose, describes sample, summarizes methodology and major findings. Abstract is 100-150 words. / Abstract addresses all or some of the following: states purpose, describes sample, summarizes methodology and major findings. Abstract is 100-150 words. / Abstract fails to state the purpose, describe sample, summarize methodology and major findings. Or Abstract is missing.
Introduction (.05) / Introduction clearly and succinctly states in the appropriateacademic discourse the problem/issue, rationale, research question and the significance of the study. / Introduction clearly and succinctly states the problem/issue, rationale, research question and the significance of the study. / Introduction states the problem/issue, rationale, research question and the significance of the study. / Introduction fails to state the problem/issue, rationale, research question and the significance of the study.
Literature Review
(.10) / Literature review clearly and succinctly synthesizes relevant research on the topic with appropriate headings, details the parameters of the search, and defines key terms in the appropriateacademic discourse. The author consistently and accurately follows APA guidelines. / Literature review clearly and succinctly synthesizes relevant research on the topic with appropriate headings, details the parameters of the search, and defines key terms. The author consistently and accurately follows APA guidelines. / Literature review synthesizes some relevant research on the topic with appropriate headings, details the parameters of the search, and defines key terms. The author inconsistently and/or inaccurately follows APA guidelines. / Literature review fails to synthesize relevant research on the topic with appropriate headings, detail the parameters of the search, and define key terms. The author inconsistently and/or inaccurately follows APA guidelines.
Methodology (.30) / The Methodology section clearly and succinctly describes types of methodology used, characteristics of the participants and context, sampling procedures, methods of inquiry, data collection processes, data analysis processes and limitations in the appropriateacademic discourse. Relevant citations accurately follow APA Guidelines. / The Methodology section clearly and succinctly describes types of methodology used, characteristics of the participants and context, sampling procedures, methods of inquiry, data collection processes, data analysis processes and limitations. Relevant citations accurately follow APA Guidelines. / The Methodology section describes some of the following: types of methodology used, characteristics of the participants and context, sampling procedures, methods of inquiry, data collection processes, data analysis processes and limitations. Relevant citations accurately follow APA Guidelines. / The Methodology section fails to describe types of methodology used, characteristics of the participants and context, sampling procedures, methods of inquiry, data collection processes, data analysis processes and limitations. Relevant citations do not follow APA Guidelines.
Results
(.30) / The Results section clearly and succinctly states findings or results which are substantiated by collected evidence in the appropriateacademic discourse. Relevant tables and/or figures accurately follow APA Guidelines. / The Results section clearly and succinctly states findings or results which are substantiated by collected evidence. Relevant tables and/or figures accurately follow APA Guidelines. / The Results section states findings or results which are substantiated by collected evidence. Tables and/or figures do not follow APA Guidelines. / The Results section fails to state findings or results which are substantiated by collected evidence. Tables and/or figures do not follow APA Guidelines.
Conclusions (.10) / The Conclusions section includes statements that are substantiated by collected evidence and makes relevant recommendations for practice in the appropriateacademic discourse. / The Conclusions section includes statements that are substantiated by collected evidence and makes relevant recommendations for practice. / The Conclusions section includes statements that are substantiated by collected evidence and makes relevant recommendations for practice. / The Conclusions section fails to include statements that are substantiated by collected evidence and make relevant recommendations for practice.
References (.05) / The Reference List is complete and accurate. / The Reference List is complete and accurate (with fewer than 3 surface errors). / The Reference List is incomplete or inaccurate. / The Reference List is incomplete and inaccurate.
Style
(.05) / Overall , the thesis uses a professional writing style and completely follows the specifications of the assignment. The title page adheres to APA Guidelines. / Overall, the thesis uses an appropriate writing style for a formal setting and completely follows the specifications of the assignment. The title page adheres to APA Guidelines. / Overall, the thesis inconsistently uses an appropriate writing style for a formal setting and somewhat follows the specifications of the assignment. The title page adheres to APA Guidelines. / Overall, the thesis uses an inappropriate writing style for a formal setting, and does not follow the specifications of the assignment. The title page fails to adhere to APA Guidelines.

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