COCC Physics Bend Oregon: Bruce Emerson

Data Analysis:

This rubric addresses the ability to collect and analyze experimental data.

		Competent	Developing	Novice	What?
G 1	Is able to identify sources of experimental uncertainty	All experimental uncertainties are correctly identified. There is a distinction between experimental uncertainty and random uncertainty.	Most experimental uncertainties are correctly identified. But there is no distinction between random and experimental uncertainty.	An attempt is made to identify experimental uncertainties, but most are missing, described vaguely, or incorrect.	No attempt is made to identify experimental uncertainties.
G 2	Is able to evaluate specifically how identified experimental uncertainties may affect the data	The experimental uncertainty of the final result is correctly evaluated. The weakest link rule is used appropriately and the choice of the biggest source of uncertainty is justified.	The final result does take the identified uncertainties into account but is not correctly evaluated. The weakest link rule is not used or is used incorrectly.	An attempt is made to evaluate experimental uncertainties, but most are missing, described vaguely, or incorrect. Or only absolute uncertainties are mentioned. Or the final result does not take the uncertainty into the account.	No attempt is made to evaluate experimental uncertainties.
G 3	Is able to describe how to minimize experimental uncertainty and actually do it	The uncertainty is minimized in an effective way.	An attempt is made to minimize the uncertainty in the final result is made but the method is not the most effective.	A description of how to minimize experimental uncertainty is present, but there is no attempt to actually minimize it.	No attempt is made to describe how to minimize experimental uncertainty and no attempt to minimize is present.
G 4	Is able to record and represent data in a meaningful way	All important data are present, organized, and recorded clearly. The tables are labeled and placed in a logical order.	All important data are present, but recorded in a way that requires some effort to comprehend. The tables are labeled but labels are confusing.	Some important data are absent or incomprehensible. They are not organized in tables or the tables are not labeled properly.	Data are either absent or incomprehensible
G 5	Is able to analyze data appropriately	The analysis is appropriate, complete, and correct.	The analysis is appropriate but it contains minor errors or omissions.	An attempt is made to analyze the data, but it is either seriously flawed or inappropriate.	No attempt is made to analyze the data.

This rubric was originally developed by Eugenia Etkina and the rest of the ISLE team at Rutgers University. It is shared here with permission and any modifications in language or focus are entirely my responsibility. My enduring thanks to Eugenia for her dedication to PER and generosity with those of us who admire and follow her work.