Research Topic Rubric

Learning outcomes to assess

 Students will develop a research topic with a manageable focus

 Students will describe the idea that research is a form of conversation

Success indicators

 Students select a potential topic that is manageable, researchable, and scalable.

 Students ask questions regarding their topic that are researchable.
 Students connect their topic to themes, ideas, and readings from their class

Level 3 Level 2 Level 1

Develops a research Student identifies a Student identifies a Student identifies a

topic topic that meets the topic that only topic that does not
  parameters of the partially meets the meet the parameters
Associated outcome: assignment parameters of the of the assignment
Students will develop   assignment  
a research topic with Student identifies a   Student identifies a
a manageable focus topic that is scalable Student identifies a topic that is not
and is something topic that is either too something they can
they can find broad or too narrow reasonably find
information about and needs to be information about
scaled more

Asks questions about Student asks Student asks Student asks

their research topic questions that are questions that are too questions that are not
  relevant and that can vague or simplistic relevant or that are
Associated outcome: help drive their and that will not help not researchable
Student will develop a research drive their research
research topic with a
manageable focus

Establish connections Student notes and Students notes and Student is unable to
between their topic describes describes some connect their topic to
and broader themes connections between connections between themes, ideas, and
  their topic and their topic and course readings from the
Associated outcome: themes, ideas, and themes, but the course
Students will describe reading from the analysis is more
the idea that research course superficial
and scholarship are a
form of conversation
Re-search means literally “search again” what others thought they have done their best to make sure
there are no stones left unturned.

It happens all the time that experts in the field think it's done and there is nothing more to dig in there
and start focusing on something else.

Except that the last person finds an abandoned yet kept remained key stone unturned and makes a
major discovery.

It happens all the time.

This is also the reason you can not dismiss any nonsensical stories or ideas that seemingly defy logic yet
known to be scientific .

The significance of the study is a part of the introduction of a thesis/research. It should determine who
benefits from the study and how that specific audience will benefit from its findings. The significance of
the study could be simply reflected by the following two questions: Why should my study be published?
What significant scientific contribution is my study making to my field of research.