Mini Literature Review Rubric
Trevecca Nazarene University – BUS 8010
DEFICIENT
(0-2 points)
MARGINAL
(3 points)
PROFICIENT
(4 points)
OUTSTANDING
(5 points)
Points
Earned
Understanding The literature
review provides no
evidence of
understanding of
the relevant
concepts
The literature
review provides
some evidence of
understanding of
the relevant
concepts
The literature
review provides
significant evidence
of understanding
the relevant
concepts
The literature
review provides
substantive
evidence of a deep
understanding of
the relevant
concepts
Introduction &
Purpose
The purpose of the
literature review is
difficult to pinpoint
or impossible to
discern
The purpose of the
literature review is
stated but
unworkable (e.g.,
too broad)
The purpose of the
literature review is
stated, but needs
more clarity
The purpose of the
literature review is
clearly stated,
appropriate, and
understandable
Development Literature review is
poorly organized
and demonstrates a
lack of organization
and coherence
The organization of
the literature
review lacks clarity
and/or relevance
Organization of
literature review
needs to be sharper
and clearer
Literature review is
well organized and
developed
Analysis &
Interpretation
The literature
review provides no
evidence of analysis
or interpretation of
the literature
The literature
review provides
evidence of
superficial analysis,
with minor gaps or
mistakes
The literature
review provides
evidence of
coherent analysis
The significance of
findings in
relationship to the
literature is
thoroughly and
appropriately
analyzed
Evaluation of
the literature
Sources are
accepted at face
value with no
critical evaluation
Limited critical
evaluation of the
literature
Some contributions,
strengths, or
limitations of the
sources are
accurately
presented
Contributions,
strengths, and
limitations of each
source are
insightfully
presented
Conclusion Conclusion is
missing, inadequate,
or unrealistic
Conclusion is
shallow or
unconvincing
Conclusion is
satisfactory but
needs to be more
compelling
Conclusion is
coherent,
perceptive, and
brings strong
closure to literature
review
Sources The content of the
literature review is
not backed by
sources of
acceptable quality
or quantity
The content of the
literature review is
backed by less than
four sources or by
sources of
unacceptable
quality
The content of the
literature review is
backed by at least
four references of
suitable quality
The content of the
literature review is
backed by at least
four references of
outstanding quality
Documentation
of Sources
Literature review
does not list any
citations or sources
Either in-text
citations or
references are
missing, incomplete,
or not in correct
APA format
In-text citations and
references are
provided but use
incomplete or
incorrect APA
format
All sources are cited
with in-text
citations and
references. All
citations and
references are in
correct APA format
Writing
Mechanics
The writing is
unclear and is
flawed by several
grammatical or
spelling errors
The writing is
somewhat clear and
somewhat flawed
The writing is clear
and contains few
flaws
The writing is clear
and flawless
Format The style and
format of the
literature review
departs significantly
from APA
The literature
review generally
follows APA style
and format, with
several exceptions
The literature
review generally
follows APA style
and format, with a
few exceptions
The literature
review accurately
follows APA style
and format, with no
exceptions
TOTAL
(Max = 50)
