Criteria for Evaluation of Research Papers

 

The following are criteria used to evaluate research papers in Dr. Holland's music history courses.  The traits may be broadly separated into two categories: Substantive Aspects (quality of thesis, quality of research, substantiation of thesis) and Mechanical Aspects (sentence structure, paragraph structure, paper organization, and grammar and punctuation).  The categories are to be used to  characterize the level of achievement displayed by the student in the paper.

 

CRITERION Exemplary Acceptable Undeveloped
Quality of Thesis Thesis is clearly defined and clearly articulated.  Thesis addresses issues relevant to the course and the assignment. Thesis is vague or not relevant to the course or the assignment. No clear thesis is stated.
Quality of Research A variety of sources are consulted, such as standard music reference works, monographs, articles, and primary sources.  Original research such as interviews, field studies, or musical analyses may have been conducted.  Sources are appropriately cited in the body of the paper and listed in a bibliography in an appropriate format. Standard music reference works and limited other sources were consulted.  Some citations may be missing or incorrectly formatted. Sources used were only general (non-music specific) references works or internet sites of unproven quality.  Factual errors may be present.  Citations may be largely absent.
Validation of Thesis The thesis is fully supported by the information provided.

 

 The thesis is sometimes contradicted by the information provided, or some answerable questions are left unanswered.  Some data unrelated to the thesis may be included. The thesis is either wholly contradicted or otherwise not supported by the information provided, or a large quantity of data unrelated to the thesis is included.
Sentence Structure Sentences are complete with correct use of tenses and verb cases.  Antecedents are clear.  All words are used in correct context. Paper contains occasional (averaging less than one per page) sentences with errors in structure. Paper contains frequent sentences with errors in structure.
Paragraph Structure Paragraphs begin with lead sentences containing important points to the paper.  Lead sentences are followed by other sentences in the paragraph, all of which elaborate on the lead point. Some paragraphs lack the focus described above. Many paragraphs contain sentences unrelated to the lead sentence, or the lead sentence is not substantiated in the paragraph.
Paper Organization The paper follows a logical progression of arguments or points supporting the thesis. Some evidence which should have been included is omitted or not presented progressively. The paper lacks a coherent progression of ideas supporting the thesis.
Grammar/Punctuation Grammar and punctuation use are correct according to standards of academic writing.  Meaning is clear. Occasional errors in grammar or misuses of punctuation. Frequent grammatical or punctuation errors obscure meaning.