Aspects and Expectations of a Quality Ecology Project | ||||||
Expectation | Introduction | Exp. Design & Execution | Data Analysis & Results | Discussion | Writing | Literature |
Fair | The introduction is inadequate, background unrelated, or only slightly relevant to the question Question not stated or stated inappropriately Points: 9 | The study design doesn’t allow for proper controls Inadequate replication of treatments Evidence of sloppy execution Points: 12 | No statistical analysis Fails to identify trends or identifies false trends Analysis and/or interpretations are inadequate or missing Points: 9 | Reach the wrong conclusion Does not relate results to question or introduction Interprets results incorrectly Points: 12 | Poor grammar or punctuation Writing is jumpy, does not flow in a logical manner The main point is not logically developed and paragraph to paragraph disconnected Points: 9 | Does not incorporate literature Used not relevant literature Incorrect citation format Points: 9 |
Good | The introduction provides appropriate background that justifies the question The question is clearly stated The null hypothesis is stated correctly Points: 12 | The study design is unambiguous Adequate & appropriate replication of treatments & controls Execution adequate Points: 16 | Appropriate statistical tools are used Analysis and/or interpretations are present but does not enhance and/or explain the content Points: 12 | A scientific interpretation of the results is provided The conclusion is adequate, summarizes the main point, and simply restates the introduction Points: 16 | Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are correct Data are presented in easy-to-understand tables and/or figures The main point is logically developed from sentence to sentence & paragraph to paragraph Points: 12 | At least 3 relevant citations are incorporated into a paper Citations are used whenever referencing another person’s work or ideas, and the literature cited section Points: 12 |
Excellent | Question/hypothesis contains detailed background and is placed into the context of recent scientific findings in the area of interest Points: 15 | Evidence that meticulous attention has been paid to all aspects of the experimental design and execution Points: 20 | Data trends are identified. Analysis and/or interpretations are relevant and enhance the explanation of the content Points: 15 | Possible theoretical and practical applications of the results are presented and discussed Conclusions effectively wrap up/gives closure to the main points of the paper. Points: 20 | The discussion ends with a cohesive concluding paragraph that places the results of the study into a real-world context Points: 15 | More than 3 citations are used, and the use of citation indicates that student understands the significance of the study to the body of knowledge on the topic Points: 15 |
Score |
