1

HRNM 672 /HRMA 671/ IPSM 671

RUBRIC FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PROPOSALS
(Refer to comments made on the assignment itself)
Student no: Similarity score: Assessed by:
Name:
Date of submission: Study leader: Dr. Kelebogile Paadi

Excellent Adequate Inadequate

Research proposal criterion Score
(Exceeds expectations) (Meets expectations) (Does not meet expectations)
Title Creatively but concisely reflects the Reflects the research problem. Does not reflect the research problem.
research problem. Exceeds the maximum of 15 words. Exceeds the maximum of 15 words.
Do not exceed the maximum of 15 Is merely a summary of the main Includes irrelevant or excludes the main
What is the qualitative title (topic) of the study? words. concept/s being investigated. concept/s included being investigated. /2
Is a concise statement of the main
concept/s being investigated.
(2) (1) (0)
Keywords Includes the main concepts introduced Only includes the main concepts Includes irrelevant words and/or
in the title as well as other keywords to introduced in the title. excludes the main concept/s included in
refine searches. the title. /2
Between 6 and 8 keywords.
(2) (1) (0)
Introduction Introduces the study in a way that Introduces the study sufficiently. The introduction may confuse the
captures the reader’s attention. Arguments demonstrating how the reader as to what the study will entail.
Problem Statement Arguments demonstrating how the problem developed/what led to/caused Arguments related to how the problem
problem developed/what led to/caused it is coherent and reasonably clear and developed/what led to/caused it is
it is superior. reflect an understanding of the subject sometimes incorrect, incoherent, or
It reflects thoughts on why a certain problem exists and Clearly demonstrates what has been matter. flawed and reflect a limited
the impact thereof on the employees Sufficiently demonstrates what has understanding of the subject matter.
why the student is interested in studying this problem,
and organisation that would validate been the impact thereof on the Does not demonstrate the impact /10
in this organisation, at this time? addressing it with a research project? employees and organisation that would thereof on the employees and/or
The WHAT? and WHY? questions are validate addressing it with a research organisation that would validate
answered in the problem statement, project? addressing it with a research project?
and the student demonstrates mature The WHAT? and WHY? questions are The WHAT? and WHY? questions are
refined critical thinking skills. sufficiently answered in the problem not sufficiently answered in the problem
statement. statement. Leaves the reader unsure of
the direction of the paper.
(8-10) (5-7) (1-4)
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Excellent Adequate Inadequate
Research proposal criterion Score
(Exceeds expectations) (Meets expectations) (Does not meet expectations)
Literature Review Reflects mastery of subject literature by Reflects understanding of subject Reflects limited understanding of
critically debating agreements or literature by providing previous subject literature.
differences of previous studies. research but not critically debating Review does not successfully indicate a
The current level of existing knowledge about sub- Demonstrates mastery of theoretical similarities and differences. scholarly review, nor does it do a good
concepts and operationalisation of Demonstrates understanding of job of framing the study with respect to
problems has been provided (i.e., relevant literature constructs are performed. theoretical concepts and/or content.
A detailed guiding theoretical framework operationalisation of constructs are Demonstrates limited understanding of
should be provided - What has been found in previous performed.
is provided, indicating which models theoretical concepts and no/incorrect
research? How did previous researchers define the and theories are relevant to the problem A guiding theoretical framework is operationalisation of constructs are
under investigation. provided, indicating which models and performed.
problem/variables, and how did they go about Masters application of the framework to theories are relevant to the problem A guiding theoretical framework has not
own study. under investigation. been provided, indicating which models
solving/addressing it?).
Review evidences an excellent General understanding of the and theories are relevant to the problem /10
understanding of the details with theoretical framework is demonstrated; under investigation or an incorrect
respect to content. however, the framework is not applied framework has been utilised.
WHAT do people already know about the phenomenon The reader has a sense that the student to own study. The reader has a sense that you have
being studied? is exceptionally well-read in the subject Review evidences a competent not read much and are bringing
and has brought together the most understanding of the details with personal opinion and knowledge to
relevant content information to frame respect to content. frame your study and/or is a simple
the study in a scholarly manner. The reader has a sense that you are listing and summary of studies.
proficiently well-read in the subject and
have brought together relevant content
information to frame the study in a
scholarly manner.
(8-10) (5-7) (1-4)
Research Questions Will answer the problem statement. Will answer most of the problem Will not provide any or all answers to
The concepts contained in the statement. the problem being investigated.
questions are clear. The concepts contained in the Concepts contained in questions are
One general or overarching research questions as well Avoid questions that can be answered questions are somewhat clear. unclear.
by yes or no. Yes or no answers are mostly avoided. Some/all questions can be answered by
as two to three sub-questions to narrow the proposed All are not too broad, too vague, or too Most are not too broad, too vague, or yes or no. /3
narrow. too narrow. Are too broad, too vague, or too narrow.
study.
Include only one topic per question. Include only one topic per question. More than one topic is included per
Facilitate an original contribution. Focus the research to some extent. question.
Focus the research.
(3) (2) (0-1)
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Excellent Adequate Inadequate
Research proposal criterion Score
(Exceeds expectations) (Meets expectations) (Does not meet expectations)
Expected Contributions of the Study Contributions are not limited to gaps Contributions are limited to gaps Contributions do not sufficiently
identified in practice or literature as identified in practice or literature as address gaps identified in practice or
Expected Contribution for the Individual indicated in the problem statement or indicated in the problem statement or literature as indicated in the problem
Expected Contribution for the Organisation literature review section. literature review section. statement or literature review section.
Greatly extends previous work in the Builds on previous work in the field. In other words, no link was made
Expected Contribution for Literature field. Reasonable theoretical and/or applied between motivation for study and the
Exceptional theoretical and applied significance. eventual contributions of this proposed /6
significance. study.
How does the study address current limitations in Limited extension of previously
published work in the field.
theory and/or practice? Limited theoretical and/or applied
significance.
(5-6) (3-4) (0-2)
Research Objectives The general objective accurately The general objective sufficiently The general objective does not reflect
reflects the essence of the proposed reflects the essence of the proposed the essence of the proposed study.
General Objective study. study. Look again at the paragraph at the end
Look again at the paragraph at the end Look again at the paragraph at the end of the problem statement. There is a
of the problem statement. The general of the problem statement. The general discrepancy between the general
What is the essence or the main aim of the study? /2
objective reflects the core of what is objective reflects most of what is objective and the last paragraph of the
stipulated in the last paragraph of the stipulated in the last paragraph of the problem statement (purpose statement).
problem statement (purpose statement). problem statement (purpose
statement).
(2) (1) (0)
Specific Objectives Specific objectives correspond with Specific objectives mostly correspond Specific objectives do not correspond
research questions. with research questions. with research questions.

/2
What are the specific aims of the study? Refer back to
research questions. (2) (1) (0)

SUBTOTAL (Title to Specific Objectives) 0 /37

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Excellent Adequate Inadequate
Research proposal criterion Score
(Exceeds expectations) (Meets expectations) (Does not meet expectations)
Research Design The research approach that will be The research approach that will be The research approach that will be
followed is not only discussed and followed is briefly discussed but not followed in the study is not included or
Research Approach applied to the study, but the researcher applied to the study (2). is included but not appropriate for the
is also able to critically reflect on the The research approach that will be study.
advantages and disadvantages of their followed is sufficiently discussed and The researcher does not state their
What research approach and qualitative paradigm will choice of approach. applied to the study (3). scientific beliefs (ontology and
The research states their scientific The researcher states their scientific epistemology) and/or does not indicate
the study follow? beliefs (ontology and epistemology) and how it influences their choice of
beliefs (ontology and epistemology) but
how this impacts the research design. does not indicate how it influences their research design. /4
The research design that will be choice of research design. The research design is not included or
followed is not only discussed and The research design is briefly discussed is included but not appropriate for the
applied to the study, but the researcher but not applied to the study (2). study.
is also able to critically reflect on the The research design is sufficiently
advantages and disadvantages of their discussed and applied to the study (3).
choice of design.

(4) (2-3) (0-1)

Research Method A list containing various sources A broad list of the different sources A list of all the different sources
(journals, books, internet, etc.) that will (journals, books, internet, etc.) that will (journals, books, internet, etc.) that will
Literature Review be consulted has been included. be consulted has been provided. be consulted has not been included or
All the sources are appropriate for the Most of the sources are appropriate for is limited in scope.
current study. the current study. No keywords have been included, or
Where are you going to find good information on your /2
Keywords that will be used in the A list of keywords that will be used has the keywords are incorrect.
search have been provided and will been provided, and the keywords will
research topic?
cover all the information needed. cover some of the information needed.

(2) (1) (0)

Research Setting The setting within which the research The setting within which the research The setting within which the research
will be conducted is fully explained. will be conducted is somewhat will be conducted was omitted or not
The explanation is straightforward and explained. suitable for the study.
What are the unique characteristics of the research clear. The explanation leaves the reader with
/2
questions.
setting?

(2) (1) (0)

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Excellent Adequate Inadequate
Research proposal criterion Score
(Exceeds expectations) (Meets expectations) (Does not meet expectations)
Establishing Researcher Roles The roles and responsibilities of the The roles and responsibilities of the The roles and responsibilities of the
researcher are fully discussed and researcher are somewhat discussed. researcher were omitted or not suitable
relevant to the study. The discussion leaves the reader with for the study.
What are the roles and responsibilities of the researcher The roles and responsibilities of the questions. The roles and responsibilities of the
respondents are fully discussed and The roles and responsibilities of the respondents were omitted or not
as well as the participants? /2
relevant to the study. respondents are somewhat discussed. suitable for the study.
The discussion leaves the reader with
questions.

(2) (1) (0)

Research Participants and Sampling A description of the sample was not A description of the sample has been A description of the sample has not
only discussed and motivated/applied to provided, but no motivation for the been provided, and no motivation for
the study, but the researcher also selection of participants and how it will the selection of participants and how it
Which sampling methods will be employed? What are critically evaluated the appropriateness help to answer research questions has will help to answer research questions
of the sample. been included (2). has been included.
the characteristics (inclusion and exclusion criteria) of The choice of sampling method was not A description of the sample has been The choice of sampling method was not
only discussed and motivated/applied to provided and applied to the study (3). discussed or was discussed but not
the participants? the study, but the researcher also appropriate for the study. /4
The choice of sampling method was
critically evaluated the advantages and briefly discussed but not
disadvantages of the sampling method. motivated/applied to the study (2).
The choice of sampling method was
sufficiently discussed and
motivated/applied to the study (3).

(4) (2-3) (0-1)

Data Collection Methods The choice of data collection technique The choice of data collection technique The choice of data collection technique
was not only discussed and motivated / was briefly discussed, but its was not discussed or was discussed
applied to the study, but the researcher applicability to the study was not but not appropriate for the study.
Which data collection methods will be used? Be specific also critically evaluated the advantages motivated (2). No interview/focus group/open-ended
and disadvantages of the data The choice of data collection technique questions were included, or the
for replication purposes. collection choice. was sufficiently discussed and provided questions were not
Interview/focus group/open-ended motivated/applied to the study (3). appropriate for the study.
questionnaire questions were Interview/focus group/open-ended No/little attention was given to the
discussed and applied to the study. questionnaire questions were briefly research procedure for possible
Questions were superior. discussed and relevant to the study (2). replication purposes.
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Excellent Adequate Inadequate
Research proposal criterion Score
(Exceeds expectations) (Meets expectations) (Does not meet expectations)
Data Collection Methods Specific attention was given to the Interview/focus group/open-ended The reader will have great difficulty
clarity of the research procedure for questionnaire questions were replicating the study without extensive
possible replication purposes. sufficiently discussed and clarification.
Continued… The reader will be able to replicate the motivated/applied to the study (3).
study without the need for further Broad attention was given to the clarity
clarification. of the research procedure for possible /5
replication purposes.
Minor clarification is needed on some
aspects of data collection.
(4-5) (2-3) (0-1)
Recording of Data How data will be recorded was not only How data will be recorded was briefly How data will be recorded was not
discussed and motivated/applied to the discussed and motivated (0.5). discussed or was discussed but not
study, but the researcher also critically The manner in which data will be appropriate for the study.
evaluated the appropriateness of the
/2
How will data be recorded, stored, and/or managed? recorded was sufficiently discussed and
method. applied to the study (1).
(2) (0.5-1) (0)
Data Analysis Detailed information on the procedures Vague information on the procedures No/little information on the procedures
that will be employed in the analyses of that will be employed in the analyses of that will be employed in the analyses of
the data has been provided, including a the data has been provided. the data has been provided.
Which methods will be used to analyse the collected clear description of coding procedures. Coding procedures have been listed. Coding procedures were omitted.
The plan of analysis is appropriate for The plan of analysis is mostly The plan of analysis is not appropriate /8
data? the researcher’s scientific beliefs appropriate for the researcher’s for the researcher’s scientific beliefs
(ontology/epistemology). scientific beliefs (ontology/epistemology).
(ontology/epistemology).
(6-8) (3-5) (0-2)
Strategies Employed to Ensure Quality Data Strategies to ensure the quality of data Strategies to ensure the quality of data Strategies to ensure the quality of data
have been discussed in detail and have been briefly discussed or defined have been omitted (0) or only listed (2).
somewhat applied to the study (6). (3).
How will the trustworthiness of the data be guaranteed? Strategies to ensure the quality of data Strategies to ensure the quality of data
have been discussed in detail and have been sufficiently discussed or
sufficiently applied to the study (7). defined (4). /8
Strategies to ensure the quality of data Strategies to ensure the quality of data
have been discussed in detail and have been sufficiently discussed, and
expertly applied (referring back to attempts have been made to apply it to
researcher’s roles and biases (8). the study (5).
(6-8) (3-5) (0-2)
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Excellent Adequate Inadequate
Research proposal criterion Score
(Exceeds expectations) (Meets expectations) (Does not meet expectations)
Ethical Considerations A comprehensive description has been A brief description has been provided Ethical considerations that will guide the
provided of ethical considerations that of ethical considerations that will guide data collection, analysis, reporting,
will guide the data collection, analysis, the data collection, analysis, reporting, sharing, and storing of data have not
What ethical aspects will be focused on? reporting, sharing, and storing of data. sharing, and storing of data been described, or minimal effort has
/2
been invested in doing so.
(2) (1) (0)

SUBTOTAL (Methodology) 0 /39

References Sufficient and recent references (2011 Sufficient and/or recent references Mainly outdated (before 2011).
onwards). (2011 onwards). Not sufficient, less than 15 peer-
More than 20 peer-reviewed More than 15 peer-reviewed reviewed references.
Recent references (both in text and in the references) references. references. Mainly obtained in popular websites or
A variety of sources have been Mainly obtained in scientific magazines (non-scientific).
need to be included. References should be strictly in consulted, not only scientific journal journals/books. Do not reflect literature or methodology
articles or books. A variety of sources have not been sufficiently.
APA format. /10
Reflect both literature and consulted; the majority consists of Major APA mistakes (in-text citations).
methodology. scientific journal articles. Major APA mistakes (reference list).
Consistently according to APA (in-text Reflect mostly literature, little focus on
citations) methodology.
Consistently according to APA Minor APA mistakes (in-text citations).
(reference list). Minor APA mistakes (reference list).
(8-10) (5-7) (1-4)
Professional impression. Relatively professional impression Unprofessional impression
Table of contents, reference list, and Table of contents, reference list, and Table of contents, reference list and/or
cover page are included with necessary cover page are included with most cover page not included or contain
Technical aspects and layout of the research information. information covered. serious mistakes or information
Consistency in line spacing, font size, Minor inconsistency in line spacing, font missing.
proposal and spaces between paragraphs. size and/or spaces between Major inconsistency in line spacing, font
Correct use of page numbering, paragraphs. size and/or spaces between
including table of contents. Correct use of page numbering, except paragraphs.
in table of contents. No/incorrect page numbering.
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Excellent Adequate Inadequate
Research proposal criterion Score
(Exceeds expectations) (Meets expectations) (Does not meet expectations)
Headings and sub-headings according Headings and sub-headings mostly Headings and sub-headings not
to APA (7th edition). according to APA (7th edition). according to APA (7th edition).
Technical aspects and layout of the research The length of the proposal is The length of the proposal is The proposal is too short or too long
appropriate (15-20 pages, excluding appropriate (10-15 pages, excluding (less than ten pages, or more than 20 /6
proposal continues…
references). references). pages, excluding references).

(5-6) (3-4) (0-2)

Effectively organises ideas, develops Adequately organises ideas, Intermittently organises ideas clearly,
ideas well, and arranges them logically, moderately develops ideas, and and only sometimes arranges them
flowing smoothly from one to another. arranges them logically. Does not logically. The reader is sometimes
The reader can follow the line of always clearly link ideas to each other. confused and/or notices redundancies.
reasoning. For the most part, the reader can follow Sometimes sentences are awkwardly
Sentences are well phrased and varied the line of reasoning. constructed, and they present an
in length and structure. They flow Sentences are adequately phrased and occasional distraction for the reader.
smoothly from one to another. varied in length and structure. The flow Informal language is used.
Writing style Scientific language is used as from one sentence to another is Numerous spelling mistakes, grammar /8
prescribed by APA. generally smooth. and/or concord mistakes that distract
No/almost no spelling, grammar, or Language is not scientific, but formal the reader or obscures the meaning.
concord mistakes. language is used.
There are occasional violations, but
they do not represent a significant
distraction or obscure the meaning.

(6-8) (3-5) (0-2)

SUBTOTAL (Technical aspects) 0 /24

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SUBTOTAL (Title to Specific objectives) 0 /37

SUBTOTAL (Methodology) 0 /39

SUBTOTAL (Technical aspects) 0 /24

TOTAL 0 /100

Comments: Please refer to specific comments and feedback in the research proposal document itself.