Research Cycle Rubric

This rubric is used to evaluate how the researcher performs at each stage of the research cycle. These were developed by Oak Harbor School District

1. QUESTIONING

A researcher recognizes decisions, issues and problems when looking at a topic.

5 - Discovers independently an issue or problem which needs a decision or solution after exploring a topic

3 - Formulates questions about topics with adult help to elevate the question to focus on issues and problems

1 - Relies upon adults to state questions and topics

2. PLANNING

A researcher identifies sources of information likely to build understanding.

5 - Selects high quality sources independently and efficiently

3 - Selects sources with mixed success

1 - Wanders from source to source without questioning which source will be most helpful

3. GATHERING

A researcher collects and stores information for later consideration.

5 - Collects and organizes important information for retrieval independently

3 - Collects information with some degree of organization

1 - Loses track of most important information

4. SORTING

A researcher reorganizes information so that the most valuable becomes readily available to support understanding.

5 - Creates structure which provides a coherent and clear focus

3 - Creates partial organization of information

1 - Leaves information as gathered

5. SYNTHESIZING

A researcher recombines information to develop decisions and solutions.

5 - Creates an original decision or solution

3 - Reorganizes and combines strategies of others

1 - Restates the decisions and solutions of others

6. EVALUATING

A researcher determines whether the information gathered is sufficient to support a conclusion.

5 - Tests solutions and decisions to see if supporting information is adequate

3 - Looks for missing information

1 - Reaches a hasty conclusion

7. REPORTING

A researcher translates findings into a persuasive, instructive, or effective product(s).

5 - Creates and presents an original product which effectively addresses original problem or issues

3 - Provides a product which offers some insight with regard to the original problem or issues

1 - Shares the work or thoughts of others

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