Student Research & Creative Scholarship Showcase Rubrics

2024 Showcase Rubrics

The Student Research and Creative Scholarship Showcase offers students three rubrics to choose from depending on the type of project they submit: empirical research, theoretical scholarship, and creative activity.

There is also a separate rubric used for judging student poster presentations at the in-person event. This rubric is the same for all students regardless of which rubric the student selected for the first round of judging, and focuses on communication, delivery, and student familiarity with their project's content.

Each type of rubric is included below for your reference.

Round 1 Rubrics

You will select one of the rubric types when submitting your project. Consult your faculty mentor if you are unsure which rubric to pick. Selecting the appropriate rubric will ensure that you receive the most fair and accurate evaluation for prize consideration. 

Round 1 judging takes place before the in-person event.

Empirical Research Rubric

Each section is worth 4 pts, for a total of 20 pts. 

Introduction/Background

  • Clear link between the research questions and the theoretical/empirical foundation of the literature
  • Research questions(s) and/or hypothesis(es) is/are clearly articulated and justified

Methodology & Research Design

  • Method is appropriate to address the research question(s) and/or hypothesis(es)
  • Research design is rigorous and well-justified (i.e. statistical approach, controls identified, number of replications, etc.)
  • Sufficient detail is provided for evaluation of project

Results

  • Results of the research clearly answer the research question(s) and/or demonstrate support (or lack thereof) for hypothesis(es)
  • Results are accurately conveyed (e.g. quantitative statistics match data, qualitative themes match data)
  • Findings are clearly communicated without being overstated

Discussion

  • Theoretical and practical applications of findings are described
  • Results are interpreted and placed back in the context of the literature
  • Major limitations are commented on and suggestions for future research are made

Effective Communication & Visual Design

  • Poster is well-organized, readable, and clear
  • All aspects of the research can be clearly understood from the poster
  • Poster design facilitates/enhances understanding of the project

 

Theoretical Scholarship Rubric

Each section is worth 4 pts except for the "Research Project" section, which is weighted double. A total of 20 pts can be earned.

Introduction/Background

  • Question/problem/puzzle being considered is clearly articulated
  • Thesis/purpose of project is clearly identified
  • Foundational background (e.g. literature review, other preparation) that set the stage for the project/methodology is clearly described

Research Project

  • Rationale and scope of project is clear, concise, and focused
  • Project demonstrates originality, creativity, and complexity
  • Technique displays accuracy and command of the selected material/medium/method
  • Presentation of completed project effectively accomplishes stated/intended purpose

Discussion and Reflection

  • Discussion of and/or reflections on the project are clearly articulated
  • Theoretical/practical applications and/or conclusions derived from the project are articulated

Effective Communication and Design

  • Poster is well-organized, readable, and clear
  • All aspects of the research can be clearly understood from reading the poster
  • Poster design facilitates/enhances understanding of the project

 

Creative Activity Rubric

Each section is worth 4 pts except for the "Aesthetic Quality" section, which is weighted double. A total of 20 pts can be earned.

Uniqueness/Originality

  • Activity or project effectively conveys creator's goals, vision, and/or intended scope
  • Novel approach to project or concept
  • Project is situated appropriately in relation to disciplinary foundations

Creative Design

  • Appropriate selection and application of materials
  • Conceptual medium appropriate for creator's intended vision
  • Design elements facilitate achievement of creator's vision/goal(s)

Aesthetic Quality

  • Technique displays accuracy and command of the material/method
  • Overall evaluative impressions of beauty and/or project quality
  • Project successfully achieves creator's intended purpose/purposive goals
  • Discussion of and/or reflection on the project are clearly articulated

Presentational Quality

  • Poster is well-organized, readable, and clear
  • All aspects of the creative project can be clearly understood from reading the poster
  • Poster design facilitates understanding of the project

 

Round 2 Rubric (In-Person Event)

Presentation Rubric

Both sections are worth 10 pts. A total of 20 pts can be earned.

Quality of Content Knowledge

  • Student is well-prepared with talking points about the project
  • Talking points present a holistic summary of the project
  • Answers to questions reflect a solid understanding of the project and what the student learned from the process
  • Answers demonstrate a deeper understanding of the general subject matter

Quality of Delivery and Effective Communication

  • Delivery of the presentation is smooth and there is minimal stumbling and awkward pausing in the student's speech
  • Responses to questions are clear and logical, and hesitation/pauses are minimal
  • Non-verbal cues and mannerisms contribute to, rather than distract from, presentation