CATEGORY 4 3 2 1 Abstract An accurate and concise description of the literature review is provided, including background, purpose, and conclusion. The abstract is a concise description of the literature review, but is lacking in one of areas: background, purpose, or conclusion. The abstract is relatively concise but not a good reflection of the literature review and is lacking in more than one of these areas: background, purpose, and conclusion. The abstract is a poor reflection of the literature and/or is excessively Introduction Sufficient background information and a clear explanation of the problem and why it is important to social work is evident. It is clear, early on, of the author's purpose in writing the paper. Good background information and how it relates to social work. The purpose of the paper is clear. Limited background information and purpose of the is provided or the author is vague on the purpose of the paper. Insufficient background information. Author is vague on the purpose of the paper. Integration of the Literature Exceptional integration and synthesis of the literature. Generally, the literature is integrated and well synthesized. Very little integration and/or synthesis, which impedes flow of the paper. The literature review is annotated with almost not synthesis or integration. Critical Analysis of the Literature Very effectively identifies and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the literature. Identifies and discusses some strengths and weakness or differences and similarities in past studies. Mainly reflects previous research findings, with very little critical analysis of differences/similarities or strengths/weaknesses across the literature. No critical analysis of the literature. Diversity Content Effectively applies findings to practice with diverse populations. Applies findings to practice with diverse populations. Application to practice with diverse populations is limited. Does not apply findings to practice with diverse populations.
Implications for Practice Effectively applies findings to current practice effectiveness. Applies findings to current practice effectiveness. Application to current practice effectiveness is limited. Does not apply findings to current practice effectiveness. Conclusion Succinct, conclusive statement that connects the identified themes to practice AND discussion of and long term implications. Evidenced synthesis of ideas when connecting the identified themes to existing practices. Includes implications for practice. Conclusion connects identified themes to practice and provides some discussion of implications. Conclusive statement fails to connect theme to practice. Little to no implications for practice. References An exhaustive review of the literature for the past five years. At least 25 sources cited. An exhaustive review of the literature with most sources from the previous five At least 25 total sources cited. A large portion of the literature reviewed, most within the previous five years. Insufficient, or outdated, sources cited. The literature review is lacking in studies. Insufficient sources Format and Grammar Proper APA formatting and no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Few or no APA formatting errors. Almost no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. A few APA formatting errors and grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Not APA format. Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.