Experimental Design 2008
Division C Rubric
1. Statement of problem (2)
_____ Not a yes/no question
_____ Independent and dependent variables
included
_____ Problem is clearly testable
_____ Response is written in a clear and concise
manner
2. Hypothesis (4)
_____ Statement gives specific direction to the
predictions(s): A stand is taken.
_____ Prediction includes both independent and
dependent variables
_____ Statement gives enough information to
understand prediction(s)
_____ A rationale is given for the hypothesis.
3. Variables
Independent Variable (3)
_____ IV correctly identified
_____ IV operationally defined
_____ At least three levels of IV given
Dependent Variable (3)
_____ (2) DV correctly identified
_____ DV operationally defined
Controlled Variables (4)
_____ One CV correctly identified
_____ Two CVs correctly identified
_____ Three CVs correctly identified
_____ Four CVs correctly identified
4. Standards of Comparison (2)
_____ (2) SOC correctly identified
_____ Reason given for why response is SOC
5. Materials (3) and Procedure (6)
_____ All materials used are listed
_____ Materials listed separately from procedure
_____ Procedure well organized
_____ Procedure is in a logical sequence
_____ (2) Enough information is given so another
could repeat procedure
_____ Diagrams used
_____ Repeated trials
6. Qualitative Observations (4)
_____ Observations given at start of experiment
_____ Observations given middle of experiment
_____ Observations given end of experiment
_____ Adequate detail given to understand
7. Quantitative Data
Data Table (6)
_____ All raw data is given
_____ All data has units
_____ All data reported using correct
significant figures
_____ Condensed table with most
important data included
_____ Table(s) labeled properly
_____ Example calculations are given
Graph(s) (6)
_____ Appropriate type of graph used
_____ Graph has title
_____ Graph labeled properly (axes/series)
_____ Units included
_____ Trends in data are represented
_____ Appropriate scale used
Statistics (2)
_____ Measure of central tendency
_____ Measure of variation
_____ Regression analysis
_____ Other appropriate statistic used
8. Analysis and interpretation of data (4)
_____ All data discussed: ‘What it is’
_____ All data interpreted: ‘What it means’
_____ Unusual data points pointed out
_____ Unusual data points explained
_____ Trends in data are pointed out
_____ Trends are interpreted/explained
_____ Statistics are explained
_____ Enough detail is given to understand data
_____ Response is clear and concise
_____ All statements are supported by the data
9. Possible Experimental Errors (3)
_____ Possible reasons for errors are given
_____ Important info about data collection given
_____ Effect errors had on data discussed
10. Conclusion (4)
_____ Hypothesis is evaluated according to data
_____ Hypothesis is re-stated
_____ Reasons to accept/reject hypothesis given
_____ All statements are supported by the data
11. Recommendations for further experimentation (4)
_____ Suggestions for improvement of specific
experiment are given
_____ Suggestions for future experiments given
_____ Further predictions made based on results
_____ Practical application(s) of experiment given