Scoring Rubric for Dissertation Proposals
Name____________________________
In relation to the quality of work
exhibited in the majority of accepted
dissertation proposals, this criterion is:
5 = exceptionally well done
3 = marginally acceptable, not of high quality
1 = substandard for doctoral level work |
1. The dissertation proposal contains the elements
of the format for proposals distributed and discussed in class as appropriate
for this particular study and the expectations of the student's
advisor
2. The proposal reflects the quality of written expression
commensurate with doctoral level work; i.e., the discussion is logically
sequenced, free of errors of grammar, punctuation and usage, sentences
convey complete thoughts, paragraphs focus on a single topic, and
the rhetoric easily advances the reader's understanding of the study
3. The statement of the problem is a logical argument
that establishes the context in which the problem resides, critically,
but briefly, examines that context for its virtues and limitations, identifies
a particular limitation that requires focused investigation, and justifies
the pursuit of that focus.
4. The project has a clearly stated purpose in the form
of either a direct statement or central research question(s), or both as
appropriate to the present study
5. The review of related research further establishes the existence
of the problem, reviews and critiques the existing research directly
pertaining to the focus of the study,
underscores the theoretical or logical premise of the study, and explicitly discusses
the major variables or categories that are the subject of the investigation
6. The design of the study reflects an understanding
of the principles of research design presented in class to an extent appropriate
for the scope and purpose of this particular project
7. The design of the study (e.g., any relational propositions)
is premised on sound theoretical assumptions (or commonsensical rationale),
is realistic, and is likely to contribute worthwhile new knowledge
8. The methodology is internally consistent with
the purpose(s) of the study and appropriate to the design
9. The description of the procedures or methodology creates
for the reader a clear and thorough understanding of steps the researcher
will follow when carrying out the project
10. The procedural section of the proposal specifies
the method(s) to be used for collecting data, sources of data (subjects,
sample, documents), instruments (if any) and their development, and addresses
issues of validity and reliability
11. The procedural section of the proposal contains an
adequate discussion of data management and any statistical analysis
that will be used to test relational hypotheses or to describe how
the results will answer a central question or purpose
12. The proposed study addresses legal, ethical
and human relations requirements for the protection of human subjects in
research
Total Points
Note: 90% = 54-60; 80% = 48-54; 70% = 42-48. etc.
