Analysis Rubric

The ability to separate and organize complex topics or issues into their component parts, and through a systematic process, to identify and differentiate those components to gain an understanding of the topic or issue

Description

Analysis is used to break a complex problem, issue, or question into smaller parts to gain a better fundamental understanding of the whole. Analytical thinking begins with identifying the purpose and context of analysis. Analytic approaches have different strengths and limitations, and inherent values and biases that must be taken into account when selecting and applying the right one for a particular problem and context. This understanding is vital when making meaning from the results of the analysis, putting them in proper context, and understanding potential impacts.

PDF

A traditional rubric PDF for Analysis can be found here

Understand Purpose

Identifies and justifies the purpose/need for approaching a question or issue; explains how the context may favor multiple approaches to analysis; recognizes multiple ways of asking the question and arriving at interpretations or applications depending on context.

Identifies the question or issue for analysis, the purpose of the analysis, and the context within which the analysis will occur.

Restates the problem and considers some aspects of the context of the problem.  Purpose of the analysis or important aspects of the context may be missing.

Identifies a question or issue. Purpose or context for the analysis is not considered.

Does not identify a question or issue.

Select Appropriate Mode(es)

Critically evaluates nuanced differences, strengths, limitations, biases, and precedents of analytical modes or methods in order to justify selection. Integrates different modes of analysis as part of the process; can critique past precedents.

Considers appropriate analytical modes or methods. Selects mode or method by considering  strengths, limitations, biases, and past precedents.

Describes differences in modes of analysis/methods, but has difficulty determining which one(s) are most appropriate, given strengths, weaknesses, biases and past precedents.

Recognizes modes of analysis, and has difficulty describing them or distinguishing them from intuition.

Does not recognize modes of analysis.

Consider Ethical Implications

Critically examines how biases built into methods can harm or benefit, and how systems have created methods that have embedded consequences/values. Justifies the ethical dimensions of the decision to select a particular analytical method by articulating the tradeoffs. May redesign methods or systems to intentionally change consequences.

Examines specific ways that potential analytical modes or methods may affect stakeholders within the relevant social, political, and cultural contexts.

Recognizes that there are consequences of analysis by considering its benefits or harms. Overlooks significant stakeholders or embedded values.

Considers an external code of ethics that accounts for the possibility of benefit, harm or bias.

Does not recognize or refuses to consider the possibility of benefit, harm or bias.

Apply Approach(es)

Applies chosen analytical method(s) effectively and correctly, explaining each step. Uses all relevant information and documents results.  Can apply multiple methods and evaluate and compare the relative success of applications based on context.

Applies chosen analytical method(s) effectively and correctly, using relevant information and documenting and each step.

Applies method or methods. May make a few errors of application or ignore some relevant information. Steps are unexplained.

Chosen method is misapplied. Oversimplifies, makes errors of application or ignores relevant information.

Does not identify or follow a method.

Examines Conclusion

Conclusion fully accounts for the evidence produced.  Fully explains the significance and value of the result of the analytical process using the chosen method, including the consequences of the method’s strengths and weaknesses in the context of the overall analysis. Clearly identifies the limits within which the conclusions of the analysis can or should be applied.

Conclusion fully accounts for the evidence produced. Identifies the significance and value of the result of the analytical process, and the limits within which the conclusions of the analysis can or should be applied.

Conclusion mostly reflects evidence produced. Recognizes there may be some limits on the conclusion based on context and methods. Can state the level of confidence in the conclusion.

Conclusion may not fully reflect the evidence. Does not recognize the assumptions inherent in premises and method choices.

No conclusion evident, or conclusion significantly departs from the methods used and evidence produced.