Research Design
0 1-2 3-4
STATED
Research The RQ is stated without context.
Question
Background … superficial
Information is… Of limited relevance
Does not help to understand the
work that has been done.
Methodology is… … stated and appropriate for
collecting relevant data.
Input and output variables are
clearly stated.
Methodology description… … lacks detail.
The description for collecting or
selecting data does not allow the
work to be reproduced.
Safety
e.g., possible injury, working safely LIMITED awareness of the issues
Ethical where appropriate.
e.g., excessive use of materials
Environmental
e.g., tidy, not wasteful
careful use of resources
5-6
OUTLINED
The RA is outlined with broad
context.
… appropriate
Relevant
Helps to understand the work that
has been done.
… described and appropriate for
collecting relevant and sufficient
data.
Some choices in the methodology
need to have been made or
developed through preliminary
experimentation.
Controlled variables stated with
some aspect of fair–testing.
The description for collecting or
selecting data allows the work to
be reproduced with few
ambiguities or omissions.
SOME awareness of the issues
where appropriate.
DESCRIBED
The RQ is described with
specific and appropriate context.
… appropriate
Relevant
Enhances an understanding of
the work that has been done.
The info should have depth and
show understanding.
… explained and appropriate for
collecting relevant and sufficient
data, including repeats
Considers almost all of the
significant factors.
Control variables have a clear
and sensible method for control.
Ranges are stated and explained
for input and output variables.
The description for collecting or
selecting data allows the work to
be fully reproduced.
FULL awareness of the issues
where appropriate.
Data Analysis
0 1-2
STATED
Recording of RAW Data Not clear or precise.
e.g., there may be insufficient
relevant data so a valid conclusion is
not possible
Missing data headings, units,
inconsistent SF and/or DP.
Processing of Data Not clear or precise.
Recorded Uncertainties Limited evidence of their
for RAW data consideration.
Recorded Uncertainties Limited evidence of their
for PROCESSED data consideration.
Processing of the data Some, but with major omissions,
to address the RQ inaccuracies or inconsistencies.
3-4
OUTLINED
Is clear or precise.
ascending or descending order,
Is clear or precise.
They are considered but with
some omissions or inaccuracies.
They are considered but with
some omissions or inaccuracies.
Carried out but with significant
omissions, inaccuracies or
inconsistencies.
5-6
DESCRIBED
Is clear and precise.
All data is well presented and
clear – including column
headings, units, SF/DP,
Figure/Caption numbers.
Is clear and precise.
Full and appropriate
consideration.
No areas where uncertainties
were missed out.
Appropriately considered.
Carried out appropriately and
accurately.
 Conclusion
0 1-2
STATED
Interpretation of the data The conclusion is…
stated
relevant to the RQ
not supported by the analysis
presented.
3-4 5-6
OUTLINED DESCRIBED
The conclusion is… The conclusion is…
described justified
relevent to the RQ relevant to the RQ
not fully consistent with the fully justified and consistent
analysis presented. with the analysis presented.

including comparisons with

accepted values where
appropriate.

Scientific context of … superficial by making a relevant … described by making relvent … justified by making relevant
the conclusion, based on prior comparisson comparison comparison.
published info, textbooks, citations,
etc, is…
Evaluation
0 1-2
STATED
Topic Identified
Weaknesses or limitations The report states general weaknesses
or limitations of the methodology.
Outlined but restricted to a simple
account.
No real awareness of methodology
issues.
Realistic Improvements… … are stated.
Outlined a few realistic and relevant
improvements and extensions i.e.,
simple statements
3-4
OUTLINED
Identified
The report describes specific
weaknesses or limitations of the
methodology.
Described with some awareness
of methodology issues, …
including how they influence the
data.
… are relevant to the weaknesses
or limitations and decribed.
Described some realistic and
relevant improvements and
extensions i.e., explain how the
methodology would actually work.
5-6
DESCRIBED
Identified
The report explains specific
weaknesses or limitations and
explains their impact on the
methodology.
… including how they influence
the data and the validity of the
conclusions drawn.
… are relevant to the
weaknesses or limitations and
decribed and explained.
Discussed realistic and relevant
improvements and extensions
including i.e., include how this
would add to or enhance the
work already done.