Research Rubric—High School

4

3

2

1

Question

My research question is clear, well-focused, and requires high-level thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

My research question is clear and well focused. My question requires moderately high-level thinking skills.

My research question is not clear or manageable.

I am unable to come up with a research question.

Strategy

I use a number of techniques to effectively and efficiently develop a workable research strategy, such as brainstorming, lists, outlines, webs, and concept maps. I identify a variety of appropriate potential resources, such as library databases, credible online sources, community agencies, experts, and artifacts.

I use some techniques to develop a workable research strategy, such as brainstorming, lists, outlines, webs, and concept maps. I identify some appropriate, potential resources.

My research strategy is not developed enough to allow me to perform effective research. I need help knowing how to start and how to identify potential resources.

I have not developed a research strategy. Even with help, I have difficulty developing a research strategy and identifying potential resources.

Sources

I gather significant information from an extensive variety of sources. I assess the reliability of all my sources and differentiate between primary and secondary information, facts and opinions, various points of view, and relative timeliness.

I choose relevant information from a variety of reliable sources.

I choose general information from a variety of sources. My sources are not consistently reliable.

I choose insufficient information from a few sources. Most of my sources are not reliable.

Classification

I sort and classify my information into meaningful categories, and I revise my categories as I collect more information.

I sort and classify my information, and revise my categories, if necessary.

I sort and classify my information with some consistency.

I do not sort or classify my information in a useful way.

Synthesis

I synthesize complex information from various sources into new concepts, formats, and structures.

I effectively synthesize information from various sources.

I partially connect the information from my sources.

I do not connect the information from my various sources.

Balance

I examine the topic from multiple perspectives. I evaluate the reasoning, assumptions, and evidence supporting each perspective.

I examine the topic from various perspectives. I recognize logical errors and omissions, cause and effect, and points of agreement and disagreement.

I present a two or more perspectives. I consider some points of agreement and disagreement.

I present only my own perspective.

Content

I present a wide range of relevant, accurate information and concepts. The information focuses on problems or themes, instead of focusing only on facts and details.

I present relevant, accurate information and concepts. The information is based on fact and opinion.

I present some information. The information is a combination of fact and opinion, but it is narrow in focus.

I present simple, limited information, based on limited resources and my own personal knowledge.

Conclusion

I provide a conclusion with clear convincing reasoning and evidence to support it.

I provide a conclusion with sufficient evidence to support it.

I provide a conclusion with some evidence to support it.

My conclusion is missing or confusing, or I do not support my conclusion with evidence.