synthesis of the literature

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NURS 601 Research Project I
Background Section
Grading Guidelines
The draft literature review or background and innovation section is 25% or 25 points. This
section is 3-4 pages. Explanation for grading this section follows:
Grading Components:
Total Content: (25 points)
1) Background (20 points): Summarized and synthesized the literature related to
the research proposal topic.
a. The background section is a synthesis of the literature
i. This means that you examined all the literature about your topic
and summarized the information
ii. You describe the research that is related to your main research topic
(e.g., family-level poverty and children’s mental health)
iii. Explain the research findings that are relevant to your topic
iv. An extensive literature review consists of more than 10 references,
but we have decided that minimum of eight reputable references will
be adequate. References must be primary research (original
research) and in reputable peer reviewed journals
v. Synthesis of the studies listed in background section
1. Limitations of studies discussed
2. Generalizability of studies discussed
3. Appropriateness of methodology of studies discussed
2) Scholarly Writing (3 points)
3) Adhered to the section guidelines (2 points)
Clarity and APA Requirements Criteria
All papers must meet standards for scholarly writing and graduate level work. Your paper
should be well written (clarity) and meet APA style and formatting standards.
Clarity
Mechanics: Correct sentence structure, grammar, and appropriate capitalization. Correct
punctuation and style, no spelling errors, no run-on sentences, no sentence fragments, no
incomplete thoughts, and dangling participles.
Language: No medical jargon, no colloquialisms (slang and informal ways of speaking) unless
using this language for a reason (repeating a conversation or giving an example).
Clarity Summary
1. Paper was organized in a logical manner
2. Ideas were clearly presented
3. Correct usage of grammar and style
4. Medical jargon not used or explained
5. Complete sentences used and correct spelling
6. NO QUOTES ALLOWED – PARAPHRASE
References
Adequacy of references used in the paper as well as an appropriate number of references
used to support the paper and the discussion. References must be current (no references
more than 5 years old unless a seminal work)
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References Summary
a. Paper had appropriate number of references (minimum: 8 references)
b. References were appropriate
i. References must be current (most references should not be older
than 5 years old unless a seminal work or not much research has been
done in this area)
c. PEER reviewed reputable journals
i. You may use only 1 each of the following
1. One reputable website only (e.g., CDC)
2. One reputable newspaper article only (e.g., New York Times).
ii. Research findings from primary sources (this is consideredoriginal
research)
1. You may not use review articles, meta-analysis, or
literature reviews
iii. Textbooks can only be used if current
d. References cited correctly
i. In-text
ii. References list
iii. Must be on a separate page
iv. References (the word) centered
v. Hanging indent used (references list)
vi. Double spacing
vii. Volume #
viii. Issue # if available
ix. Correct hyperlink doi format:
1. https://doi.org/10.1037/arc0000014 (new format) – PREFERRED
2. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/arc0000014
2) Journal URL if doi unknown
3) URL address must not have an underline
4) APA Format
a. Correct APA format was used
b. Correct APA font and size (Times New Roman 12 pt.)
c. Title page
d. Correct margins (1 inch)
e. Header
f. Using APA number format in the body of the paper
g. Capitalizations
h. Headings
i. Paragraph indents (0.5)
j. Left justification
k. Double spaced
l. Page numbers in HEADER
m. Running head: TITLE in HEADER
n. Document named correctly – Last Name Assignment name
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Grade Explanation
Level of Expected
Achievement
Earned Points for
Assignment
Letter Grade
Proficient 95
– 100%
A
Developing 90
– 94%
A
–
Developing 87
– 89% B+
Emerging 83
– 86%
B
Novice 80
-82%
B
–