Minimum word count: 800-1250 (approximately 3 to 5 pages)
Content and Organization: Contains an introduction with a compelling thesis, body paragraphs that effectively support the thesis by drawing on credible sources, and a conclusion that demonstrates a synthesis of the main points.
APA format: Title page; Times New Roman, 12-point font; double-spaced; 1-inch margins; running header with shortened title aligned left and page number aligned right.
APA citations: Appropriate in-text citations (APA) throughout the paper when quoting or paraphrasing; a separate reference page with only the sources that you used in the body of the paper.
Provide adequate support for your thesis by citing
at least (2) scholarly references (e.g., empirical study, peer-reviewed journal article, text authored by a psychologist or medical professional)
Additional quotes from your textbook are encouraged
Sources should be published within the last 5 years unless recent research is unavailable or if you are referencing seminal work.
Do not use Wikipedia or an encyclopedia because they are not considered academic sources.
Grammar and Style: Clear and understandable language with no grammar or spelling errors. Effective use of transitions to show logical connections and to improve the flow of the writing.
For more information on the Mini Research Paper (including helpful resources), please review the Introduction to the Mini Research Paper page. Additionally, please see the rubric below for grading criteria.
Rubric
Mini Research Paper Rubric
Mini Research Paper Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWord Count / Page Minimum
5 pts
Meets Standard
The research paper is 800-1200 words (approximately 3 to 5 pages).
0 pts
Does Not Meet Standard
The research paper is less than 800-1200 words (approximately 3 to 5 pages).
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction and Thesis
15 to >13.0 pts
Exemplary
The introduction contains a narrowly focused topic appropriate for the scope of the assignment. Background on, and significance of, the topic is provided. Contains a strong clearly-identifiable thesis.
13 to >10.0 pts
Proficient
The introduction contains a narrowly focused topic, but lacks sufficient background on the topic and/or does not explain the significance of the topic. Provides an identifiable thesis.
10 to >0 pts
Developing
The introduction may contain a topic that is overly broad for the scope of the assignment, and/or may be lacking background and significance of the topic. May provide a thesis, but it is weak.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody and Supporting Evidence / Research
50 to >45.0 pts
Exemplary
Paragraphs are clearly organized and focused. At least two sources are from peer-reviewed journals. Detailed, meaningful quotations and paraphrases are introduced and explained. Support information is related to and supportive of the thesis.
45 to >35.0 pts
Proficient
Paragraphs are generally organized and focused. At least two sources are from peer-reviewed journals. Detailed, meaningful quotations and paraphrases are used, although they may be lacking an introduction and explanation (dropped-in quotes). Support information is mostly related to and supportive of the thesis.
35 to >0 pts
Developing
Paragraphs lack organization and focus. Sources from peer-reviewed journals may be missing. Quotations and paraphrases are used minimally and may be lacking an introduction and explanation (dropped-in quotes). Support information is mostly unrelated to and does not support the thesis.
50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion
10 to >8.0 pts
Exemplary
The conclusion restates the thesis and clearly articulates its importance. The conclusion contains remarks that demonstrate analysis and synthesis of ideas.
8 to >6.0 pts
Proficient
The conclusion restates the thesis, but does not articulate its importance. The conclusion contains remarks that demonstrate only a brief analysis and synthesis of ideas.
6 to >0 pts
Developing
The conclusion does not restate the thesis or articulate its importance. The conclusion contains remarks that lack analysis or are disconnected from the topic.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle and Mechanics
10 to >8.0 pts
Exemplary
Provides a variety of sentence types (simple, compound, complex, etc.) and uses precise, descriiptive language. Uses transitions to make clear connections between paragraphs and topics. There are no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.
8 to >6.0 pts
Proficient
Provides a variety of sentence types and uses some descriiptive language. Uses some transitions to make connections between paragraphs and topics. There may be a few grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.
6 to >0 pts
Developing
Provides few, if any, types of sentences, and basic, predictable language. Connections between paragraphs and topics remain unclear due to a lack of transitions. There may be many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors that interfere with reading.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Formatting and Citations
10 to >8.0 pts
Exemplary
The research paper follows current APA style and is free from errors in formatting, citations, and references. Includes a separate reference page with only the sources used in the body of the paper.
8 to >6.0 pts
Proficient
The research paper follows current APA style and has only a few minor errors in formatting, citations, and references. Includes a separate reference page with only the sources used in the body of the paper.
6 to >0 pts
Developing
The research paper attempts to follow current APA style but contains significant errors in formatting, citations, and references. Includes a separate reference page that may be missing sources used in the paper, or may include sources not used in the paper.
10 pts
Total Points: 100
