Project Paper

NURS 601 Capstone I
Methodology-Sample
Draft Grading Guidelines
The Methodology and Design section is 20% or 20 points. For the draft, methodology-sample
section and the data collection-data analysis section are each worth 10 points. Explanation
for grading this section follows:
Research Proposal Grading Components:
1) Methodology Section: 5 points
a. Overview of the methodology needed to examine the problem (1-2
paragraphs)
b. Provide a rationale for the basis of the particular methodology chosen (1-2
paragraphs)
c. Methodology appropriate for research
2) Sample Section: 5 points
a. Sample population
i. Where will sample be drawn from
b. Sample size calculated using power analysis or quota sampling
c. Sampling techniques
i. How will the sample be recruited?
1. Probabilistic sampling techniques (e.g. randomization and
type of randomization)
2. Explain how randomization will be done (e.g. for simple
randomization will select every 3rd name on the admitting
sheet
3. Non-probabilistic (e.g., purposeful, convenience and so forth)
a. Explain how this will be done
d. Sample characteristics
i. Describe:
1. Inclusion characteristics
2. Exclusion characteristics
All research proposals must meet the standards for scholarly writing and graduate level
work. Your research proposal should be well written (clarity), have the appropriate type and
number of references, and meet APA formatting standards. Problems in these areas can
result in up to a 1.7-point deduction.
Research Proposal Content, References, and APA Grading Reduction Criteria
Clarity (.7 point)
Mechanics: Correct sentence structure, grammar, and appropriate capitalization. Correct
punctuation and style, no spelling errors, no run-on sentences, no sentence fragments, no
incomplete thoughts, and dangling participles. NO QUOTES ALLOWED – PARAPHRASE
Language: No medical jargon, no colloquialisms (slang and informal ways of speaking) unless
using this language for a reason (repeating a conversation or giving an example).
2
NURS 601 Methods – Sample Grading Guidelines
3
NURS 601 Methods – Sample Grading Guidelines
Clarity Summary
1) Organized in a logical manner
2) Correct usage of grammar and style
3) Medical jargon not used or explained
4) Complete sentences used
5) Correct spelling
6) No quotes allowed
References Format: (.5 point)
1) Paper had appropriate number of references (if applicable)
2) References were appropriate
a. References must be current (most references should not be older than five
years old unless a seminal work or not much research has been done in this
area)
3) PEER reviewed reputable journals
4) You may use only one of each of the following:
a. Reputable website only (e.g., CDC)
b. Reputable newspaper article only (e.g., New York Times).
5) Research findings from primary sources (this is considered original research)
a. You may not use review articles, meta-analysis, or literature reviews
6) Textbooks can only be used if you are using a theoretical framework as part of your
analytical framework
7) References cited correctly
a. In-text
b. References list
i. Must be on a separate page
ii. References (the word) centered
8) Correct APA citing (in-text and references list)
a. Hanging indent used (references list)
b. Double spacing
c. Volume #
d. Issue # if available
e. Correct doi format:
i. https://doi.org/10.1037/arc0000014 (new format) – PREFERRED
ii. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/arc0000014
9) Journal URL if doi unknown
10) URL address must not have an underline
APA Format: (0.5 points)
1) Title page
2) Correct margins (1 inch)
3) Header
a. Running head on first page (TITLE OF PAPER)
b. Header on subsequent pages does not contain Running head (TITLE ONLY)
4) Page numbers (in header; top right)
5) Correct APA number format in the body of the paper
6) Correct APA capitalization format
7) Headings
4
NURS 601 Methods – Sample Grading Guidelines
8) Left justification
9) Double spacing
Grade Explanation
Level of Expected
Achievement
Earned Points for
Assignment
Letter
Grade
Grading Scale
Exceeds 9.5 – 10 A 95-100%
Meets 9 – 9.49 A- 90-94%
Meets 8.7 – 8.99 B+ 87-89%
Meets 8.3 – 8.69 B 83-86%
Partially Meets 8 – 8.29 B- 80-82%
Does Not Meet 0 – 7.99 C+ or below 0-79%
Idea Generation:
There will be ample time available to decide will best suit your needs and will we discuss possibilities both
as a large group and in smaller groups as needed.
Grading Criteria:
The grade for this paper/project will be based on the following criteria:
The selection of an appropriate topic
The quality of thought put forth into the essay
The quality put forth in the research
An understanding of what type of research will be effective for this specific project
A clear understanding of MLA format
A well-formatted and organized works cited page
The ability to analyze the arguments of others (in your research)
The authors’ ability to write a clear and concise essay that properly follows grammatical and syntactical rules