Evidenced based practice in nursing: Research designs, questions, analytical methods and findings

Exemplary

Identifies/addresses a relevant topic and a thesis that provides direction for the content that is engaging and thought provoking. The thesis clearly and concisely states the position, premise, or hypothesis and is consistently the focal point throughout the presentation. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and careful, critical analysis of the research topic and thesis (argument). Compares/contrasts perspectives, considers counter arguments or opposing positions, and draws original and thoughtful conclusions with future implications.

Accomplished

Identifies/addresses a relevant topic and a thesis that provides adequate direction for the content with some degree of interest for the reader. The thesis states the position, premise, or hypothesis, and is the focal point of the paper for the most part. Demonstrates an understanding and some critical analysis of the research topic and thesis (argument). Adequately compares/contrasts perspectives, counter-arguments, or opposing positions but broader connections and/or implications are not as thoroughly explored

Developing

Identifies a research topic but may be too broad in scope and/or the thesis is somewhat unclear and needs to be developed further. Focal point is not consistently maintained throughout the paper. Demonstrates general understanding with limited critical analysis of the research topic and thesis (argument). Summarizes perspectives, counter-arguments, or opposing positions.

Unsatisfactory – Beginning

Fails to identify a relevant research topic or is not clearly defined and/or the paper lacks focus throughout. Demonstrates a lack of understanding and inadequate analysis of the research topic and thesis. Analysis is superficial based on opinions and preferences rather than critical analysis.

Exemplary

Provides compelling and accurate evidence to support in-depth analysis to the central position beyond the required (2) research sources with at least 1 source from a periodical database. Research sources are highly relevant, accurate, recent (less than 5 years old) and reliable and add to the strength of the content.

Accomplished

Provides essential, accurate evidence to support the central position with the required (2) research sources including 1 source from a periodical database that are mostly relevant, accurate, recent (less than 5 years old) and reliable.

Developing

Provides some evidence to support the central position with less than 2 acceptable research sources. Some sources may not be relevant, accurate, and reliable, greater than 5 years old and may not be from scholarly sources.

Unsatisfactory – Beginning

Lacks sufficient research sources to support the central position and/or, if included, are generally not relevant, accurate, or reliable. Contains numerous factual mistakes, omissions, or oversimplifications.

Exemplary

Content is effectively organized. Ideas are arranged logically, flows smoothly, with a strong progression of thought from paragraph to paragraph connecting to the central position. Includes all required components (introduction, body, conclusion, citations, references, etc.). For a slide presentation, the design, font size, style, and spacing are optimal for audience viewing

Accomplished

Content is adequately organized. Ideas are arranged reasonably with a progression of thought from paragraph to paragraph connecting to the central position. Includes required components of an introduction, body, and conclusion. For a slide presentation, one or more components of the design, font size, style, and spacing may be less than ideal for audience viewing.

Developing

Content is somewhat organized. For a paper, occasionally ideas from paragraph to paragraph may not flow well and/or connect to the central position or be clear as a whole. May be missing a required component and/or components may be less than complete. For a slide presentation, multiple aspects of the design require further development for optimal audience viewing.

Unsatisfactory – Beginning

Content lacks logical organization and impedes readers’ comprehension of ideas. For a paper, central position is rarely evident from paragraph to paragraph and/or the paper is missing multiple required components. For a slide presentation, the design lacks clarity for optimal viewing by an audience.

Exemplary

Content is well written and uses standard English characterized by elements of a strong writing style. Basically, free from grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, or formatting errors. APA guidelines for formatting are consistently followed. Includes in-text citations and references that are written correctly.

Accomplished

Content shows above average writing style and clarity in writing using standard English. Minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and/or formatting. APA guidelines for formatting are present. In-text citations are present but may not be complete or correctly formatted. References are written using correct APA format

Developing

Content shows an average and/or casual writing style using standard English. Some errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage. Use of APA guidelines are generally present, however are incorrectly formatted.

Unsatisfactory – Beginning

Content shows a below average/poor writing style lacking in elements of appropriate standard English. Frequent errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage. Lacks elements required in writing a formal APA paper: title page, references, in-text citations, headers.