Learning to conduct independent research is a real challenge! See below for guidance on the learning demands and expectations of different achievement levels of essays:
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Critical stance |
Reasoned argument and integration |
Disciplinary grounding |
Purpose |
| No awareness of how the selected disciplines are contributing to the research, or the strengths and limitations of the essay. | Arguments that are made do not reflect disciplinary views and/or are not related to the research question. | No or little awareness of findings, concepts, theories, and methods in the chosen disciplines. | No clear purpose. |
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Critical stance |
Reasoned argument and integration |
Disciplinary grounding |
Purpose |
| There is some attempt to identify and discuss the strengths and limitations of the contributing disciplines, and the arguments made. However, these points tend to be general or obvious. | Disciplinary approaches are simply juxtaposed or only highlight connections with no consideration of the research question. Limited analysis and evaluation. | Findings, concepts, theories, and methods in the chosen disciplines are used in a simplistic, general or mechanical way. | There is a discernible purpose but it is unclear that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary or that the problem/issue requires an inter-disciplinary approach. |
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Critical stance |
Reasoned argument and integration |
Disciplinary grounding |
Purpose |
| The strengths and limitations of the essay are discussed taking into consideration both disciplines. There is also evidence that the argument of the essay has been approached critically. | Selected disciplinary insights are clearly connected to the research question. Arguments are made, of which some are supported by evidence. There is some analysis and evaluation based on inter-disciplinary understandings. | Findings, concepts, theories, and methods in the chosen disciplines are employed. | Purpose is clearly stated and is relevant and appropriate to an inter-disciplinary approach. There is some rationale and justification for the area chosen and approach taken. |
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Critical stance |
Reasoned argument and integration |
Disciplinary grounding |
Purpose |
| The strengths and/or limitations of the contributing disciplines are discussed clearly, insightfully and in relation to the research question posed. Conclusions are viewed as provisional and subject to critique. | Disciplinary contributions are integrated and the arguments expressed in the essay are clearly supported by relevant evidence and analyzed and evaluated with inter-disciplinary insight and in relation to the research question. | Disciplinary findings, concepts, theories, and methods are used accurately and insightfully and expressed in ways that suggest a level of disciplinary knowledge. | Significance of the research topic studied and the rationale for undertaking the approach chosen are well articulated. |
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