You are to write a research paper of 1,500 to 2,000 words on a topic related to one of the course modules. You are to provide a minimum of 5 references (not contained in the course) and the paper must be in APA format with proper reference citations and Microsoft Word document (not PDF or Mac – if submitted in MAC Pages or PDF this will result in an automatic zero (0) grade).
Consult with your instructor via email to obtain approval for your topic and thesis statement, if it is outside of the course material.
Be sure to clarify the specific research question you wish to examine, research, and analyze (thesis statement).
Again, ensure you use appropriate APA style for formatting and referencing. Here is a link to the guide: APA Style Guide
Rubric
Exceeds Standards
Meets Standards
Nearly Meets Standards
Does not Meet Standards
No Evidence
Use of APA formatting
10 points
Fully compliant with APA formatting and reference guidelines
Mostly compliant with APA standards; minor inconsistencies only
Several inconsistencies in APA compliance
Evidence of compliance is inconsistent throughout; formatting and referencing improper
Absent
Thesis statement
15 points
Clearly and concisely states the paper’s purpose, is engaging and thought provoking.
Clearly states the paper’s purpose in one or two sentences.
States the paper’s purpose in one or two sentences.
Incomplete and/or unfocused
Absent
Introduction
15 points
The introduction is engaging, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper
The introduction states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper.
The introduction states the main topic but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper.
There is no clear introduction or main topic and the structure of the paper is missing.
Absent
Body
20 points
Each paragraph has thoughtful supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea.
Each paragraph has sufficient supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea.
Each paragraph lacks supporting detail sentences.
Each paragraph fails to develop the main idea.
Not applicable
Organizational/Structural Development
15 points
Writer demonstrates logical and subtle sequencing of ideas through well-developed paragraphs; transitions are used to enhance organization.
Paragraph development present but not perfected.
Logical organization; organization of ideas not fully developed.
No evidence of structure or organization.
Not applicable
Conclusion
15 points
The conclusion is engaging and restates the thesis.
The conclusion restates the thesis.
The conclusion does not adequately restate the thesis.
Incomplete and/or unfocused.
Absent
Mechanics
5 points
No errors in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
Almost no errors in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
Many errors in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
Numerous and distracting errors in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
Not applicable
Usage
5 points
No errors in sentence structure and word usage.
Almost no errors in sentence structure and word usage.
Many errors in sentence structure and word usage.
