Research Proposal Paper Rubric

Your research proposal paper will describe a novel experiment* in the field of cognitive development^, and will include a title page, abstract, as well as the following sections: Introduction, Method, Planned Analyses and Predicted Results, and References. Figures and tables are optional. Your paper must conform to APA 7th Edition guidelines. Your paper must include at least 5 references (minimum) from reputable journals and must be double-spaced in MS Word with 12 pt. Times New Roman font and 1 margins on all 4 sides. Your paper must be at least 8 pages long (this minimum includes your title page, abstract, tables, and figures, references, etc.).

Make sure you understand how to adequately paraphrase (no direct quotes) and properly cite in-text all ideas, evidence, materials not your own, and include full reference in References section. Inadequately paraphrasing even a portion of a sentence, even with citation, leads to the penalty.

*The proposed study needs to be an experimental design (with experimental control, random assignment) or quasi-experimental design (example: age group is an independent variable; should still involve random assignment to experimental conditions within age groups). The proposed study cannot focus on a correlational design.

^The proposed study participants must be about infants, children or adolescents. The proposed study must be related to one of the class topics: concepts and reasoning, language development, social cognition, memory, metacognition and executive functions, cognitive abilities relevant for education.

Introduction: Does the Introduction demonstrate an understanding of the topic and related concepts?

_____ points out of 40

Common reasons for losing points

_____ The central purpose of the paper is not readily apparent.

_____ Theoretical arguments are not considered in a clear and balanced manner.

_____ Empirical evidence is not clearly related to theoretical arguments.

_____ Hypothesis does not follow empirical evidence

_____ Overall structure is not well-conceptualized.

_____ Transitions are missing or ineffective.

_____ First paragraph does not contain a hook

_____ Importance of topic and need for study not clearly communicated

_____ End of section does not briefly outline the aims, approach and predictions

Method: Does the section allow for clear comprehension and replication?

_____ points out of 30

Common reasons for losing points

_____ Description of Participants is incomplete

_____ Specification of Design and IVs and DVs is inadequate

_____ Materials to be used are not fully explained (e.g., what exactly are the materials/stimuli;

where did they come from or how were they developed?)

_____Procedures are not sufficiently detailed

Planned Analyses and Predicted Results: Are the critical comparisons and expected outcomes fully described?

_____ points out of 30

Common reasons for losing points

_____ Analytic approach is unclear

_____ Anticipated descriptive and inferential outcomes are not fully explained

APA format: Does the paper conform to APA style?

_____ points out of 20

Common reasons for losing points

_____ Title page is errant

_____ Abstract is errant

_____ Use of headings errant

_____ Use of in-text citations is errant

_____ Reference page is errant

_____ Other: ____________________________________

Writing style: Is the paper concise and well-written?

_____ points out of 20

Common reasons for losing points

_____ Lack of clarity in writing; Confusing paragraph organization

_____ Too wordy

_____ Awkward phrasing, sentence structure, and/or word choice.

_____ Direct quotes used when paraphrasing is more appropriate

Mechanics: Are the paper requirements followed? Are spelling, punctuation, and grammar accurate?

_____ points out of 20

Common reasons for losing points

_____ Paper requirements were not followed (see also penalty below).

_____ Frequent spelling errors

_____ Frequent punctuation errors

_____Frequent grammatical errors

Penalties (subtraction of points)

_____ Paper requirements were not followed (e.g., correlational design instead of experimental;

not a cognitive development study).

_____ Paper to be graded was submitted late.

_____ Paper was not revised based on instructor feedback during semester

_____ Plagiarism, including inadequate paraphrasing or inadequate referencing of previous

work. Note even parts of sentences will be flagged.

(These penalties often lead to a 0 grade on paper)

Overall: _____ 160 points

Research Question, Background Research and Proposal Outline

1) Topic of interest:

2a) List of published journal articles that you have read and helps to set up your research question. List these references in APA format.

2b) Describe the previous work and how it leads to your research question. For example, are you using one previous experiment as a foundation and extending that experiment (with new variables, or addressing limitations)? Or are you filling a gap in the literature? Explain using specific examples from past research.

3) State your research question:

4) State your hypothesis:

5) State the variables

a) Independent variable:

b) Dependent variable:

6) Proposed method

a) Who are the proposed participants?

b) What materials will you use?

b) What will participants be asked to do?

7) Plan & Predicted Results

a) What statistical tests will you use? Why is it appropriate?

b) What do you predict will happen? Why?