Week 7

Continuation of Data Management

(Normal Distribution)
Overview:
Random variables can be either discrete or continuous. Continuous random variables can
assume all values between any two given values of the variables. Many continuous variables
have distributions that are bell- shaped and are called approximately normally distributed
variables.

Module Objectives:
After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
* Learning objective 1: Illustrate a normal distribution and its characteristics;
* Learning objective 2: Convert raw scores to standard z-scores;
* Learning objective 3: Identify regions under the normal curve corresponding to
different standard normal values; and
* Learning objective 4: Solve problems involving normal distribution.

Course Materials:
These are materials that will be provided for students to facilitate and/or demonstrate the learning.
These can include be reading materials, videos, samples or examples, case studies, simulations,
etc. These materials are added to the course in the order that the course specialist wants students
to use them. Brief guidance, as needed, should be provided.

Watch: Asynchronous Session

Simple Learning Pro. (2019, May 31). Z-Scores, Standardization, and the Standard
Normal Distribution (5.3) [Video file]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtbJbDwqWLE
Read: Synchronous Session

NORMAL DISTRIBUTION
The shape and position of the normal distribution curve depends on two parameters, the mean
and the standard deviation. Each normally distributed variable has its own normal distribution
curve, which depends on the values of the variable’s mean and standard deviation. The larger
the standard deviation, the more dispersed or spread out the distribution becomes.
The mathematical equation for the normal distribution is:
(X−μ)2
1 −
y= ∙e 2σ2 , −∞< X <∞
σ√2π

where;
ℯ ≈ 2.718 μ = population mean
π ≈ 3.14 σ = population standard deviation

PROPERTIES OF THE NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

1. The normal distribution curve is bell-shaped.
2. The mean, median, and mode are equal and located at the center of the distribution.
3. The normal distribution curve is unimodal.
4. The curve is symmetrical about the mean.
5. The curve is continuous.
6. The curve never touches the x- axis.
7. The total area under the normal distribution curve is equal to 1 or 100%.

Source:https://www.differencebetween.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Difference-Between-Continuous-and-
Discontinuous-Variation-2.gif
Real Life Examples of Normal Distribution

Height
Height of the population is the example of
normal distribution. Most of the people in a
specific population are of average height. The
number of people taller and shorter than the
average height people is almost equal, and a
very small number of people are either
extremely tall or extremely short. However,
height is not a single characteristic, several
genetic and environmental factors influence
height. Therefore, it follows the normal
distribution.

Intelligence Quotient
The IQ of a particular population is a normal
distribution curve; where IQ of a majority of the
people in the population lies in the normal range
whereas the IQ of the rest of the population lies
in the deviated range.

Technical Stock Market

The changes in the log values of Forex rates,
price indices, and stock prices return often form
a bell-shaped curve. For stock returns, the
standard deviation is often called volatility. If
returns are normally distributed, more than 99
percent of the returns are expected to fall within
the deviations of the mean value. Such
characteristics of the bell-shaped normal
distribution allow analysts and investors to
make statistical inferences about the expected
return and risk of stocks.

Income Distribution in Economy

The income of a country lies in the hands of
enduring politics and government. It depends
upon them how they distribute the income
among the rich and poor community. The middle
– class population is a bit higher than the rich
and poor population. So, the wages of the
middle – class population make the mean in the
normal distribution curve.

Source:
https://studiousguy.com/real-life-examples-
normal-distribution/
THE STANDARD NORMAL DISTRIBUTION
Since each normally distributed variable has its own mean and standard deviation, the shape and
location of these curves will vary. Therefore, different tables of values of areas under each curve
will be needed for each variable. To simplify the situation, statisticians use the standard normal
distribution. The standard normal distribution is a normal distribution with a mean of 0 and a
standard deviation of 1.
The formula of the standard normal distribution is;
𝑥2
𝑒− 2
𝑦=
√2𝜋
All normally distributed variables can be transformed into the standard normally distributed
variable by using the formula for the standard score:
raw score/value − mean X−μ
z= or z =
standard deviation σ
DERIVATION OF FORMULAS
From the standard z – score, we can find for the other variables by transforming the formula.
Here are the other formulas.

Standard z-
Raw score Population Mean Population Standard deviation
score
x−μ x−μ
z= x = μ + σz μ = x − σz σ=
σ z

What if the population mean and population standard deviation are

unknown?
In cases where the population mean and population standard deviation are unknown, the sample
mean and the sample standard deviation will be used to approximate the population.
Remember that the sample mean is represented by 𝑥̅ , and the sample standard deviation is 𝑠.
We can use the formulas below.

Standard z-
Raw score Sample Mean Sample Standard deviation
score
x − x̅ x − x̅
z= x = x̅ + sz x̅ = x − sz s=
s z

What are the implications of the value of z?

Let’s observe and analyze the examples below.

EXAMPLE 1
Given x = 12, μ = 12, σ = 2 . Solve for z.
Solution We just need to substitute the given values to the formula. We have
x − μ 12 − 12
z= = =0
σ 2
Implication When the raw score is equal to the mean, the standard z-score is zero.
EXAMPLE 2
Given x = 9, μ = 12, σ = 2 . Solve for z.
Solution We just need to substitute the given values to the formula. We have
x − μ 9 − 12
z= = = −1.5
σ 2
Implication When the raw score is less than the mean, the standard z-score is negative.
So, whenever the given z-score is negative, it only means that the raw score is
less than the mean.

EXAMPLE 3
Given x = 16, μ = 12, σ = 2 . Solve for z.
Solution We just need to substitute the given values to the formula. We have
x − μ 16 − 12
z= = =2
σ 2
Implication When the raw score is greater than the mean, the standard z-score is positive.
So, whenever the given z-score is negative, it only means that the raw score is
less than the mean.

NOTE
These implications must be kept in mind especially when it comes to the applications of the
z-score.

Let’s make use of the other formulas.

EXAMPLE 1
Given z = 2.54, μ = 11.7, σ = 1.3 . Solve for X.
Solution Substitute the given values to the formula.
x = μ + σz = 11.7 + (1.3)(2.54) = 15.002 ≈ 15
Observation The raw score 15 is greater than the mean 11.7 which follows that the z-score
is positive.

EXAMPLE 2
Given z = −1.6, μ = 10, σ = 0.78 . Solve for X.
Solution Substitute the given values to the formula.
x = μ + σz = 10 + (0.78)(−1.6) = 8.752
Observation The raw score 8.752 is less than the mean 10 which follows that the z-score is
negative.

EXAMPLE 3
Given z = −0.8, X = 7, σ = 0.91 . Solve for μ.
Solution Substitute the given values to the formula.
μ = x − σz = 7 − (0.91)(−0.8) = 7.728
Observation The mean score, 7.728 is greater than the raw score, 7 which follows that the
z – score is negative.

EXAMPLE 4
Given z = 1.23, x = 91, σ = 2.35 . Solve for μ.
Solution Substitute the given values to the formula.
μ = x − σz = 91 − (2.35)(1.23) = 88.1095 ≈ 88
Observation The mean score, 88 is less than the raw score, 91 which follows that the
z – score is positive.
 How do we illustrate the standard normal curve?

Consider that the corresponding z scores of the raw scores/values x1 , x2 , … , x10 are z1 , z2 , … , z10
, respectively and μ = z = 0, we can have the following the following illustrations.

Raw Score/Values Standard z-score

These figures illustrate the transformation of the raw scores into z-scores. You can also observe
that it is bell-shaped. Hence, there involves an area.

Finding the Areas Under the Standard Normal Curve

Now, let’s learn some applications of the standard normal distribution. We begin by exploring
the area under the normal curve.

Because of the importance of areas under the standard normal curve, tables of those areas have
been constructed. A four-decimal-place number in the table gives the area under the standard
normal curve between 0 and a specified number z.

Let’s us illustrate the following areas:

a. The area between ±1 is

approximately 68.27% or 0.6827

b. The area between ±2 is

approximately 95.45% or 0.9545

c. The area between ±3 is

approximately 99.73% or 0.9973

d. The area under the standard normal

curve is 100% or 1.
The Standard Z- Table
In finding the areas under a normal curve distribution, the z- table will be used. A standard normal
table (also called the unit normal table or z-score table) is a mathematical table for the values of
ϕ, indicating the values of the cumulative distribution function of the normal distribution.
The z – score, also known as the standard score, indicates how many standard deviations an
entity is, from the mean.

Since probability tables cannot be printed for every normal distribution, as there is an infinite
variety of normal distribution, it is common practice to convert a normal to a standard normal and
then use the z-score table to find probabilities.

Source : https://www.docsity.com/en/standard-normal-distribution-table-statistics-ii/6719611/
Note : The area shown on the table is the area between zero and any z-score.
What are the steps to follow in finding areas under the standard
normal distribution curve?

1. Draw the curve.

2. Shade the desired area.
3. Find the correct figure/value in the Z – table.
4. Follow the directions given in the appropriate block of the procedure table to get the
desired area.

CASE 1: Area Between z = 0 and z = any number

CASE 1.a. z is any negative number and
z=0 CASE 1.b. z = 0 and z is any positive
number

EXAMPLE 1
Determine the area under the standard normal curve between 0 and 2.58.
Step 1 a. Find the Row z = 2.5.
b. Find the Column with the heading 0.08.
c. Read the area at the intersection of Row 2.5 and Column 0.08.
d. The area is equal to 0.4951.

Step 2 This can also be expressed as

P(0 ≤ z ≤ 2.58) = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟗𝟓𝟏
EXAMPLE 2
Determine the area under the standard normal curve between 0 and 2.63
Step 1 a. Find the Row z = 2.6.
b. Find the Column with the heading 0.03.
c. Read the area at the intersection of Row 2.6 and Column 0.03.
d. The area is equal to 0.4957
a.

Step 2 This can also be expressed as

P(0 ≤ z ≤ 2.63) = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟗𝟓𝟕

EXAMPLE 3
Determine the area under the standard normal curve between 0 and 1.34.
Step 1 a. Find the Row z = 1.3
b. Find the Column with the heading 0.04.
c. Read the area at the intersection of Row 1.3 and Column 0.04.
d. The area is equal to 0.4099.

Step 2 This can also be expressed as

P(0 ≤ z ≤ 1.34) = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟎𝟗𝟗
EXAMPLE 4
Determine the area under the standard normal curve between –1.09 and 0.
Step 1 a. Find the Row z = 1.0 (Consider the absolute value of – 1.09).
b. Find the Column with the heading 0.09.
c. Read the area at the intersection of Row 1.0 and Column 0.09.
d. The area is equal to 0.3621.

Step 2 This can also be expressed as

P(−1.09 ≤ z ≤ 0) = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟔𝟐𝟏

EXAMPLE 5
Determine the area under the standard normal curve between –2.50 and 0.
Step 1 a. Find the Row z = 2.5 (Consider the absolute value of – 2.50).
b. Find the Column with the heading 0.00.
c. Read the area at the intersection of Row 2.5 and Column 0.00.
d. The area is equal to 0.4938

Step 2 This can also be expressed as

P(−2.50 ≤ z ≤ 0) = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟗𝟑𝟖
 CASE 2 : Area Between negative z and positive z

RULE
Add area of region 1 and area of region 2
A = A1 + A2

A1 A2 where
A1 = Area between negative z and z = 0
A2 = Area between z = 0 and positive z

EXAMPLE 1
Determine the area under the standard normal curve between z = – 1.48 and z = 1.25.
Step 1
Find the area between z = – 1.48 and z = 0
applying CASE 1.
A1 = P(−1.48 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0)
A1 = 0.4306 (See normal curve table)

A1

Step 2
Find the area between z = 0 and z = 1.25
applying CASE 1
A2 = P(0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 1.25)
A2 = 0.3944 (See normal curve table)
A2

Step 3
Add A1 and A2
A = A1 + A2
A = 0.4306 + 0.3944 = 0.8250

A1 A2
EXAMPLE 2
Determine the area under the standard normal curve between z = – 0.70 and z = 1.70

Step 1
Find the area between z = – 0.70 and z =
0 applying CASE 1

A1 = P(−0.70 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0)
A1 = 0.2580 (See normal curve table)
A1

Step 2
Find the area between z = 0 and z = 1.70
applying CASE 1
A2 = P(0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 1.70)
A2 = 0.4554 (See normal curve table)

A2

Step 3
Add A1 and A2
A = A1 + A2
A = 0.2580. +0.4554 = 0.7134

A1 A2
 CASE 3 : Area to the LEFT of Negative Z

RULE
Subtract area between negative z and z = 0
from 0.5000
A = 0.5000 – A1
Where:
A1 = Area between negative z and z = 0
A A1

EXAMPLE 1
Determine the area under the standard normal curve to the LEFT of z = – 1
Step 1
Find the area between z = –1 and z = 0
A1 = P(−1 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0)
A1 = 0.3413

A1

Step 2
Subtract A1 from 0.5000
A = 0.5000 − A1
A = 0.5000 − 0.3413
A = 0.1587

EXAMPLE 2
Determine the area under the standard normal curve to the LEFT of z = – 1.08

Step 1
Find the area between z = –1.08 and z = 0
A1 = P(−1.08 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0)
A1 = 0.3599

A1

Step 2
Subtract A1 from 0.5000
A = 0.5000 − A
1
A = 0.5000 − 0.3599
A = 0.1401

A
 CASE 4: Area to the RIGHT of Negative Z

RULE
Add the area between negative z and z = 0
and 0.5000
A = A1 + 0.5000
A
where:
A1 0.5000 A1 = Area between negative z and z = 0

EXAMPLE 1
Determine the area under the standard normal curve to the RIGHT of z = – 1.52

Step 1
Find the area between z = – 1.52 and z = 0
A1 = P(−1.52 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0)
A1 = 0.4357

A1
Step 2
Add A1 and 0.5000
A = A1 + 0.5000
A = 0.4357 + 0.5000

A1 A
A = 0.9357

0.5000

EXAMPLE 2
Determine the area under the standard normal curve to the RIGHT of z = – 1.65.
Step 1
Find the area between z = – 1.65 and z = 0
A1 = P(−1.65 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0)
A1 = 0.4505

A1

Step 2
Add A1 and 0.5000
A = A1 + 0.5000
A = 0.4505 + 0.5000
A = 0.9505
A1 A
0.5000
 CASE 5: Area to the RIGHT of Positive Z

RULE
Subtract area between z = 0 and positive z
from 0.5000
A = 0.5000 – A1
A1 A where:
A1 = Area between z = 0 and positive z

EXAMPLE 1
Determine the area under the standard normal curve to the RIGHT of z = 0.85.

Step 1
Find the area between z = 0 and z = 0.85
A1 = P(0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0.85)
A1 = 0.3023
A1

Step 2
Subtract A1 from 0.5000
A = 0.5000 − A1
A = 0.5000 − 0.3023
A = 0.1977

A1 A

EXAMPLE 2
Determine the area under the standard normal curve to RIGHT of z = 0.59.
Step 1
Find the area between z = 0 and z = 0.59
A1 = P(0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0.59)
A1 = 0.2224

A1

Step 2
Subtract A1 from 0.5000
A = 0.5000 − A1
A = 0.5000 − 0.2224
A = 0.2776

A1 A
 CASE 6: Area to the LEFT of Positive Z

RULE
Add 0.5000 to the area between z = 0 and
A positive z
A = A1 + 0.5000

0.5000 A1 where:
A1 = Area between z = 0 and positive z

EXAMPLE 1
Determine the area under the standard normal curve to the LEFT of z = 0.85.
Step 1
Find the area between z = 0 and z = 1.84
A1 = P(0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 1.84)
A1 = 0.4671
A1

Step 2
Add A1 and 0.5000
A = A1 + 0.5000
A = 0.4671 + 0.5000
A = 0.9671
A
0.5000 A1

EXAMPLE 2
Determine the area under the standard normal curve to the LEFT of z = 1.61.

Step 1
Find the area between z = 0 and z =1.61
A1 = P(0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 1.61)
A1 = 0.4463

A1

Step 2
Add A1 and 0.5000
A = A1 + 0.5000
A = 0.4463 + 0.5000
A = 0.9463 A
0.5000 A1
FINDING THE Z VALUE
EXAMPLE 1
Find the z-value for which the area under the standard normal curve to the right of that value is
0.0392.

Step 1
The area under the
standard normal curve to
the right of z = 0 is 0.5. So,
the area between z = 0 and
the required z value must
be
0.5 − 0.0392 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟔𝟎𝟖.

Using the z table, search

the body for the area
0.4608.

Step 2
The corresponding z –
value is 1.76.
EXAMPLE 2
Find the z-value whose area between zero is 0.3869.

Step 1
Find 0.3869 on the table.

Step 2 𝑃(0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 1.21)

The z – values are ±1.21
since the area between 0
and 1.21 is also the area
between 0 and -1.21.

𝑃(−1.21 ≤ 𝑧 ≤ 0)

PROBABILITY FOR ANY NORMAL CURVE

Normal Distribution N(𝜇, 𝜎)
a. Since each normally distributed variable has a different mean and standard deviation, the
shape and location of these curves will vary.
b. A different table of probabilities would be needed for each mean, and standard deviation
pair.
c. To avoid this problem, transform any normal distribution to the standard normal
distributions.
d. Fins the probability for the standard normal distribution and you have the probability for
the original normal distribution.
Finding the Probability for Any Normally Distributed x value
Method
Find the z-score for any value. The z-value is the number of standard deviations that a particular
x-value is away from the mean.
𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑥−𝜇
𝑧= 𝑜𝑟 𝑧=
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝜎

EXAMPLE 1
A group of STEM – Health students conducted a study to determine the stress level that students
have while taking online exams. The stress level was found to be normally distributed with a mean
stress level of 26 and a standard deviation of 2.3. What is the probability that in the next online
exam, the students will have a stress level that is less than 24?

Given x = 24
μ = 26
σ = 2.3
Solution x−μ
z=
σ
24 − 26
z=
2.3
z = −0.87
(z < −0.87) = 0.1922

Therefore, the probability that in the next online exam, the students will have a
stress level that is less than 24 is 0.1922 or 19.22%.

EXAMPLE 2
The average weekly sales during the onset of the COVID – 19 pandemic in a certain grocery store
is Php 103,500. If the distribution is normal and the standard deviation is Php 24,800. Find the
probability that on a randomly selected week, the sales of the grocery is:

a. Greater than Php 115,000.

Given x = 115,000
μ = 103,500
σ = 24,800

Solution 115,000 − 103,500

z=
24,800
z = 0.46
P(z > 0.46) = 0.5 − 0.1772
P(z > 0.46) = 0.3228 or 32.28%

Therefore, the probability that the weekly sales of the grocery in a certain week
is greater than Php 115,000 is 0.3228 or 32.28% of the distribution.
b. Between Php 85,200 and Php 114,300
Given x = 115,000
μ = 103,500
σ = 24,800

Solution 85,200 − 103,500

z1 = = −0.74
24,800
114,300 − 103,500
z2 = = 0.44
24,800

P(−0.74 < z < 0.44) = 0.2704 + 0.17

P(−0.74 < z < 0.44) = 0.4404 or 44.04%

Therefore, the probability that the weekly sales of the grocery in a certain week
is between Php 85,200 and Php 114,300 is 0.4404 or 44.04% of the distribution.
Given Normal Probability, find the x value
We also need to find the x values for N(𝜇, 𝜎)
Method
a. Given the area or probability, find the probability or area under the normal curve to the
left of x.
b. Use the z table to locate the area to the left of x inside table and determine z.
c. Find the x value using the formula: 𝑥 = 𝑧𝜎 + 𝜇

EXAMPLE 1
The final exam in a statistics class is scaled to have the average of 500 points, and the standard
deviation of 100 points. What is the cutoff score for top 10% of the students in a statistics class
assuming that the final exam scores are normally distributed?

Given x =?
μ = 500 points
σ = 100 points

Solution Begin with a known area, find the z-value, and then find x from the formula
𝒙 = 𝛍 + 𝛔 𝐳. The 90th percentile corresponds to the 90% area under the
normal curve to the left of x. Thus, we also require a z – value that leaves
0.9000 area to the left and hence, the Table Area of 0.4000.

From Table Area, P(0 < z < 1.28) = 0.3997.

Hence, x = 500 + 100(1.28) = 628

Therefore, the cut – off for the top 10% is 628 points.
EXAMPLE 2
For a medical study, a group of STEM Health researchers wishes to select employees in the
middle of 40% of the population based on blood pressure. If the mean systolic blood pressure is
120 and the standard deviation is 8, find the upper and lower reading that would qualify employees
to participate in the study. Assume that the blood pressures are normally distributed.

Given x =?
μ = 120
σ=8
STEP 1 There are two values needed, one above the mean and one below the mean. First
find the value to the right of the mean.

40%

30% 30%

STEP 2 The closest value for an area of 0.2000 is 0.525

STEP 3 For z = 0.525 For z = – 0.525

x − μ x − μ
z= z=
σ σ
x1 − 120 x2 − 120
0.525 = – 0.525 =
8 8
4.2 = x1 − 120 −4.2 = x2 − 120
x1 = 124.2 x2 = 115.8

STEP 4 Hence, the upper and lower readings that would qualify employees to participate
in the study are 124.2 and 115.8 respectively.
Review: Mathematics in the modern world by Rodriguez, M., et. al. (2018)
Chapter IV pp. 97 – 123

Mathematics in the modern world by Rodriguez, M., et. al. (2018)

Chapter IV pp. 124 – 133

REFERENCES
Print References

1. Aufmann, R.N. et.al. (2018). Mathematics in the modern world. Manila: Rex
Bookstore, Inc.
2. Almazan, E. et.al. (2018). Mathematics in the modern world. Malabon City :
Jimczyville Publications
3. Aufmann, R.N. et.al. (2013). Mathematical excursions, 14th edition.CA :Brooks /Cole,
Cengage Learning.
4. *Barton, B. (2008). The language of mathematics: telling mathematical tales. New
York, NY: Springer.
5. *Borden, L.L. (2011). The verification of mathematics: using grammatical structures
of the Mi’kmaq to support student learning. For the Learning of Mathematics,
31(3),pp. 8 – 13.
6. *Cuevas, G.T. (1984). Mathematics learning in english as a second language. Journal
for research in Mathematics Education, 15(2),pp. 133 – 144.
7. Lawsky, E. et.al. (2014). CK – 12 Probability and statistics – advanced (second edition).
Flexbook.
8. Nocon, R. & Nocon, E. (2018). Essential mathematics for the modern world. Quezon
City :C & E Publishing, Inc.
9. Quintos, R.J. et. al. (2019). Mathematics in the modern world. Bulacan: St. Andrew
Publishing House.
10. Reyes, J.A. (2018). Mathematics in the modern world. Manila : Unlimited Books
Library Services and Publishing, Inc.
11. *Stewart, I. (1995). Nature’s numbers. New York, NY: Basic Boks
12. *Zepp, R.A. (1981). Relationships between mathematics achievement and various
English language proficiencies. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 12(1),pp. 59-70.

*These references were recommended during the GEC Training. but there are no new
editions available.
Activities/Assessments:

Midterm Assessment 1 in Mathematics in the Modern World

(ASSIGNMENT 1)
First Semester SY 2022 – 2023
NAME
PROGRAM

Submit a quantitative research proposal. Use the template and be guided with the rubric
given below.
INTRODUCTION
Research Objectives and Questions
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Literature Review
Research Paradigm

METHODS
Research Design
Locale of the Study
Respondents of the Study
Research Instrument
Data Gathering Procedures
Data Analysis

CRITERIA 3 2 1
Mastery of theories Arguments are superior Arguments are coherent Arguments are sometimes
and concepts in the Objectives are well defined and reasonably clear incorrect, incoherent, or
field demonstrated in Exhibits mature, refined Objectives are clear flawed
problem statement critical thinking skills Demonstrates acceptable Objectives are poorly
and literature review Reflects mastery of subject critical thinking skills defined Demonstrates
matter and associated Reflects understanding of limited critical thinking skills
literature. subject matter and literature Reflects limited
Demonstrates mastery of Demonstrates understanding of subject
theoretical concepts understanding of theoretical matter and associated
Documentation is excellent concepts Documentation is literature Demonstrates
Generates well-reasoned adequate limited understanding of
and well- supported Generates adequate theoretical concepts
hypotheses hypotheses Documentation is weak
Inadequate statement of
hypotheses
Mastery of methods Design, analysis plan, Design reasonable for Design inappropriate to
of inquiry excellent Plan for analysis questions Plan for analysis questions
goes beyond the obvious, reasonable, acknowledges
acknowledges limitations some limitations Confused or ineffective plan
and critically considers Considers regulatory for analysis Lacks
alternatives compliance anticipation of regulatory
Demonstrates regulatory compliance requirements
compliance
Quality of writing Writing is publication Writing is adequate Writing is weak
quality Some grammatical and Numerous grammatical and
No grammatical or spelling spelling errors apparent spelling Errors apparent
errors apparent Organization is logical Organization is poor
Organization is excellent Style is appropriate to Style is not appropriate to
Style is exemplary discipline discipline
Originality and Exceptional potential for Some potential for discovery Limited potential for
potential for discovery Greatly extends Builds upon previous work discovery
contribution to previous work Reasonable theoretical or Limited extension of
discipline Exceptional theoretical or applied significance previous published work in
applied significance Reasonable publication the field
Exceptional publication potential Limited theoretical or
potential applied significance
Limited publication potential