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iRubric: Research Brief Evaluation rubric

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Research Brief Evaluation 
Research Brief Evaluation
A brief is a concise standalone document focusing on a particular issue requiring attention. The paper should include all required elements: Executive Statement/Summary, Introduction, Key Messages, Methodology, Results and Conclusions, Recommendations or implications, References and Useful Links, Author information
Rubric Code: UXB94W2
By Ms_Kbecker
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: Communication  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate

Powered by iRubric Communication Research Brief
 

Strong
Meets or Exceeds standards

10 pts


Adequate
Meets but does not exceed standards

7 pts


Inadequate
Does not meet standards

4 pts

Executive Statement/Summary

Gives an overview of the purpose and overarching message of the policy brief, catches the attention of the reader.
10

Problem and/or existing issue is thoroughly described. The history of the problem/issue is included. Key terms, stakeholders and issue areas needing analysis and resolution are defined. The main argument of the brief is foregrounded.
7

Presents a less well-considered position on the issue.
4

Presents a vague or limited position on the issue. Is unclear or seriously limited in presenting or developing the issue.
Introduction with key messages

Explains why this issue is urgent and/or important to the research client. Should make your audience want to continue reading.
10

Effective evaluative review of the issue is included. Relevant historical, political, and other factors affecting the policy are addressed. Ambiguities, conflicts, problems, and contradictions related to the issue are explained.
7

Less effective evaluative review of the issue. Gaps in necessary information are evident; reader is left with an incomplete understanding of the issue and its importance.
4

Ineffective evaluative review of the issue.
Background/Context

Presents the essential facts the decision maker “needs to know” about the topic.
10

Presented and discussed clearly with appropriate references provided.

Clarifies the underlying assumptions and importance/significance of the issue, including effects on and roles of key stakeholders.
7

The underlying assumptions and importance/significance of the issue, including effects on and roles of key stakeholders are presented, but not thoroughly discussed; some appropriate references provided.
4

Poorly focused and/or poorly-organized. Few references are cited. Discussion is unfocused and/or disorganized.
Results and conclusions

Effectively explains why we should do what you suggest.
10

Constructs a convincing argument for making recommendations that follow. Masterful use of research to support the main argument of the brief.
7

Constructs a somewhat convincing argument for making recommendations that follow. Adequate use of research to support the main argument of the brief.
4

Does not demonstrate enough use of research to support the main argument of the brief.
Recommendations or implications

10

Presents several well thought out recommendations and/or implications. Offers a summary that is clear, strong and coordinated. Recommendations are clearly actionable.

Each assertion is supported with verifiable support from reputable sources.

Support and evidence are referenced using paraphrasing in the students' own voice and are cited properly.
7

Presents several recommendations and/or implications, but summary is neither strong nor coordinated. Recommendations are not easily actionable.
4

Presents weak recommendations that are not actionable.
Research of secondary literature

Secondary sources involve generalization, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, or evaluation of the original information. Secondary literature is generally contained in works such as books, chapters or review articles. It also includes grey literature. Though not scholarly, it is produced by researchers and practitioners in the field.

Evidence of outside research that includes but extends beyond course readings.
10

Each assertion is supported with researchable and verifiable support from reputable sources. Support and evidence are referenced using paraphrasing and are cited properly. Minimal use of Wikipedia or Google.
7

Weaker evidence of outside research that includes but extends beyond course readings.

Assertions are generally well-researched and supported by appropriate reference materials.

Support and evidence are referenced but paraphrasing is less smooth. Some use of Wikipedia or Google.
4

Very little evidence of outside research that extends beyond course readings. Accuracy of the material cannot be easily substantiated.

Assertions and statements are weak, unsupported. Too many quotes overall; students' voice is not apparent. Citations are not properly formatted. Virtually no professionally reliable sources evident. Random websites with no qualifications are used. Wikipedia or Google appear to be the only sources used.
Author

Section of brief where authors are identified. This is related to the Research section. In short, how do you know your authors are credible? How are you proving yourself to be credible?
10

Expertly demonstrates why the author is a credible messenger for the findings and recommendations of the research brief.

Reader is confident that information and ideas can be trusted and that the process of research was rigorous and well documented.
7

Less expertly demonstrates why the author is a credible messenger for the findings and recommendations of the research brief.
4

Does not demonstrate why the author is a credible messenger for the findings and recommendations.
Written communication

Sentence and paragraph structure; grammar and spelling/punctuation; tone and style.
10

Excellent mechanics, grammar, word usage. Language is clear and appropriate. Writing style is very effective. Sentences are well-structured and vary in length and structure. They flow smoothly from one to another. Topic and concluding sentences are used consistently. Ideas are logically arranged to support the purpose of the paper. Paragraphs are also clearly linked to each other. The reader can easily follow the paper.
7

Expresses ideas with reasonable clarity. There are occasional errors, but they are not too distracting to obscure overall meaning. Some copy editing is apparent but much more needed.
4

Has problems in language and sentence structure that result in a lack of clarity and frequently interfere with meaning. Contains serious errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics obscure meaning. Writing has many distracting errors. Little to no copy editing is apparent.



Keywords:
  • briefing document


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