Biology Research Report Example Rubric

Learning Outcome Component

4

3

2

1

Application of scientific method to study design

Selects and measures appropriate experimental factors

Selects experimental factors that are ideal to the research purpose and audience; measures adequate aspects of these selected factors

Selects experimental factors that are appropriate to the research purpose and audience; measures adequate aspects of these selected factors

Selects some experimental factors that are not appropriate to the research purpose and audience; measures adequate aspects of some of these selected factors

Selects experimental factors that are not appropriate to the research purpose; does not measure adequate aspects of these selected factors

Selects an appropriate sample size for the research purpose

Selects and explains appropriate sample size and equivalent groups

Selects appropriate sample size and equivalent groups, but provides no explanation

Research is weakened by inappropriate sample size

Does not consider sample size

Controls variables experimentally

Demonstrates, by written statement, the ability to control variables by randomization; makes reference to or implies factors to be disregarded by reference to pilot or experience

Demonstrates the ability to control important variables experimentally; methods section does not indicate knowledge of randomization or selectively disregards variables

Demonstrates the ability to control some but not all of the important variables experimentally

Demonstrates a lack of understanding about controlling variables

Comprehension of findings

Communicates results clearly and thoroughly

Presents data to the reader in text as well as graphic forms; tables or graphs have self-contained headings; Data reported in graphs or tables are relevant and statistically appropriate

Presents data to the reader in text as well as graphic forms; tables or graphs do not have self-contained headings; Data reported in graphs or tables contain some materials that are irrelevant or not statistically appropriate

Presents data to the reader in text, but not graphically when appropriate

Does not communicate quantifiable results

Interprets data accurately

Summarizes the purpose and findings of the research; draws inferences that are consistent with the data and scientific reasoning; accepts or rejects hypothesis

Summarizes the purpose and findings of the research; draws inferences that are consistent with the data and scientific reasoning, but does not accept or reject the hypothesis; overgeneralizes to support conclusions

Summarizes the purpose and findings of the research; some inferences are not consistent with the data and scientific reasoning; does not accept or reject the hypothesis

Does not summarize or accurately interpret the results

Explains findings clearly

Explains expected results and offers explanations or suggestions for further research for unexpected results

Explains expected results and offers explanations for unexpected results; does not discuss suggestions for further research

Explains expected results but ignores unexpected results

Provides no explanation for expected or unexpected results