FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Nursing
I.
LOCATOR INFORMATION
Semester:
Course:
Course Credit:
Class Meets:
Course Coordinators:
Office Location:
Office Hours:
Office Phone:
Email:
Spring 2015
NURS 400 – Nursing Research and Theory
3 Semester Hours
Online
Online
FSU Policy on Electronic Mail: Fayetteville State University provides to each student,
free of charge, an electronic mail account (username@uncfsu.edu) that is easily accessible via the
Internet. The university has established FSU email as the primary mode of correspondence between
university officials and enrolled students. Inquiries and requests from students pertaining to
academic records, grades, bills, financial aid, and other matters of a confidential nature must be
submitted via FSU email. Inquiries or requests from personal email accounts are not assured a
response. The university maintains open-use computer laboratories throughout the campus that can
be used to access electronic mail.
Rules and regulations governing the use of FSU email may be found at
http://www.uncfsu.edu/PDFs/EmailPolicyFinal.pdf
II.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course Description: This course focuses on the cognitive and professional skills of nursing
research and theory. The cognitive skills emphasized include critical thinking, problem solving,
research critique, and theory utilization in professional nursing practice. The professional skills
include valuing research as a basis for professional nursing practice.
PREREQUISITE OR COREQUISITE: 300-level nursing courses.
III. Disabled Student Services: In accordance with Section 504 of the 1973
Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if you have a
disability or think you have a disability to please contact the Center for Personal Development in
the Spaulding Building, Room 155 (1st Floor); 910-672-1203.
IV. Title IX – Sexual Misconduct
Fayetteville State University (University) is committed to fostering a safe campus environment
where sexual misconduct — including sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual
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1
assault, and stalking - is unacceptable and is not tolerated. The University encourages students
who may have experienced sexual misconduct to speak with someone at the University so that
the University can provide the support that is needed and respond appropriately. The Sexual
Misconduct policy can be found at the following link:
http://www.uncfsu.edu/Documents/Policy/students/SexualMisconduct.pdf
Consulting with a Health Care Professional - A student who wishes to confidentially speak
about an incident of sexual misconduct should contact either of the following individuals who
are required to maintain confidentiality:
Ms. Pamela C. Fisher
Licensed Professional Counselor
Spaulding Building, Room 165
(910) 672-387
psmith@uncfsu.edu
Ms. Linda Melvin
Director, Student Health Services
Spaulding Building, Room 121
(910) 672-1454
lmelvi10@uncfsu.edu
Reporting an Incident of Sexual Misconduct - The University encourages students to report
incidents of sexual misconduct. A student who wishes to report sexual misconduct or has
questions about University policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct should contact
the following individual:
Ms. Victoria Ratliff
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
Spaulding Building, Room 155
(910) 672-1222
vratliff@uncfsu.edu
Unlike the Licensed Professional Counselor or the Director of Student Health Services, the
Deputy Title IX Coordinator is legally obligated to investigate reports of sexual misconduct, and
therefore cannot guarantee confidentiality, but a request for confidentiality will be considered
and respected to the extent possible.
Students are also encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the University’s Police
and Public Safety Department at (910) 672-1911.
V.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author
Schmidt, N., & Brown, J. (2012). Evidence-based practice for nurses (2nd ed). Sudbury, MA:
Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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VI.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Differentiate various research approaches and methodologies used to discover and
validate knowledge.
2. Describe the research process structural components.
3. Discuss ways to apply the major concepts of selected nursing theories to research.
4. Identify client situations that are open to investigation by nurses.
5. Critique selected research articles to determine ways in which inform nursing practice.
6. Analyze the relationship of nursing research to nursing theory and nursing practice.
7. Examine ways to communicate and apply research findings when teaching consumes and
clients.
8. Explore ways to participate and collaborate in research endeavors.
9. Explain the accountability and responsibility of a professional nurse researcher to
facilitate change in nursing profession and/or health system.
10. Develop a research proposal that focuses on ways to reduce health disparities.
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3
VII.
Course Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
Assignment
Discussion Board
Activities
Article Critique
Possible
Points
20
30
Evidence Based
Practice PowerPoint
Presentation
(Group Project)
25
Quizzes
25
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Description
Designed to assist you with mastering
course content and to receive additional
support in challenging concepts,
discussion board exercises are required.
Please note that the Discussion Board
assignments coincide with the weekly
topics. Discussion board participation is
interactive and a dynamic process.
See Discussion Board Rubric in syllabus
(7 Discussion Boards)
1 Quantitative Article Critique
See schedule in syllabus for due date
See syllabus for grading criteria
See schedule in syllabus for due date.
See syllabus for PowerPoint Presentation
Rubric
Quizzes are designed to help you
understand the major objectives/concepts
for the weekly topics.
(5 quizzes)
4
A = 93-100
B = 85-92
C = 78 -84
D = 70-77
P= Passing
Grading Scale for the Department of Nursing
F=< 69
I = Incomplete
W = Withdrawal from a class
WN = Withdrawal due to non attendance
F = Failure
PAPERS AND EXAMINATIONS
Students are expected to submit required work on time. Examinations are to be taken when
scheduled. Unexcused absence from a test will result in a zero (0). A make-up test, if given,
will be based on the original test objectives, but the items will be different. Late Papers will not
be accepted and will be awarded a grade of “0”. Plagiarism, misrepresentation, fabrication of
information, and abetting any of the above. Plagiarism in particular presents pitfalls to be
avoided: any failure to document any words, ideas, or other contributions that do not originate
with the author constitutes plagiarism. Widespread use of the World Wide Web (Internet)
requires particular attention to proper documentation practices. Individual course syllabi offer
additional clarification about requirements for proper documentation. See FSU Student
handbook at http://www.uncfsu.edu/handbook/pdf/Web%20pdf/Codeofconduct.pdf . Actions
outlined in the Fayetteville State University Student Handbook under Disciplinary System and
Procedures will be followed for incidents of academic misconduct. See:
http://www.uncfsu.edu/handbook/index.htm
Preparation of written work should contribute to clear communication. All work should be
typewritten, following guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th edition). A cover page and reference page should be included. References
should include journals and books other than the ones listed in nursing course textbooks. Only
professional Journals should be used. If you question whether your journal is a professional
journal do not hesitate to contact me.
Good writing is an art and craft. Correct grammar facilitates clear communication. Ideas should
be developed clearly and logically. Papers with numerous grammatical errors, poor sentence
structure, and improper documentation can lose points. A writing center is available on campus
if a student needs assistance. All work is expected to be turned in on time.
See website: http://www.uncfsu.edu/handbook/index.htm
MISSING ASSIGNMENTS
It is the responsibility of each student to complete all work and meet all objectives as required.
Students ARE responsible for maintaining a paper copy of all work submitted. Overall,
competencies for this program are outlined in the Student Handbook. Students are asked to
relate any comments/concerns to the instructor promptly.
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NURSING DISCLAIMER
This syllabus is not an unchangeable contract, but instead, an announcement of present course
requirements and policies only. Implicit in each student’s enrollment is an agreement to comply
with the course requirements and policies, which the professor may modify to exercise properly
his/her educational responsibility.
ON-LINE ACCESS: If problems arise with accessing On-line courses, please contact Internet
Technical Services (ITS) at: 910-672-2085.
ONLINE NETIQUETTE:
1. Never divulge your user name or password to others.
2. Immediately delete email with attachments from senders you do not recognize.
3. It is most likely "spam". Do not click open web links in messages from unknown sources.
4. Never run an executable file (e.g., .exe) from an email. The university has security precautions
in place for most of these situations, but computer hackers are getting more sophisticated all the
time.
5. Do not forward personal email without the author's knowledge and permission.
6. Do not forward chain letters. Delete them.
7. Keep acronyms to a minimum. They can be confusing to your readers.
8. Delete unwanted messages to conserve space.
9. Never answer "spam". Your response will confirm your email address. Delete the message
instead.
10. Please do not forward virus hoaxes. Contact your instructor if you have a question.
11. Do not use all capital text (CAPS LOCK); it is perceived as shouting.
12. Golden Rule: "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You."
“Netiquette” is important and you are expected to follow the rules. You are entitled to express
your opinion. You are entitled to an audience. You are expected to learn. You are expected to
teach. You have a right to disagree. You have a right to respond. It is your privilege to change
your mind. It is your privilege to remain silent. Responsibility on all sides will ensure that the
forums will not be subject to improper censorship. The hosts of the forum will also make sure
that coarse language or any form of racist, ageist, sexist or homophobic language is banned from
the online discussions.
“Netiquette” adapted from Yale University Library
BLACKBOARD LEARNING SYSTEM:
1. Each student is expected to access the Black-Board Learning System for announcements,
other assignments, and other pertinent communication.
2. Each student is expected to participate in the “Discussion Board” as required by instructor.
3. Grades will be affected if these directions are not implemented and maintain
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4. The FSU Blackboard will be used as an important mode of communication between faculty
and students in this course. Please enroll using your e-mail.
5. Class grades and other faculty/student feedback will be posted using this medium.
OFFICE HOURS AND INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILITY
Virtual Office hours and instructor availability will be arranged according to the student’s needs
and as announced. Faculty is also available by e-mail, fax, and phone voice mail. The student is
encouraged to initiate an appointment for instructor/student conferences when issues arise. The
instructor will also utilize Blackboard as a communication tool.
VIII. Academic Support Resources
Academic support resources are available in this class. Use of Supplemental
Instructions/Content Mastery, Smarthinking, Criterion, University College of Learning.
CLASS FORMAT:
The class week begins on Tuesday and ends on Monday at 11:59 pm. Your weekly
discussions will be graded and posted by Wednesday. Feedback will be provided on an
individual basis to the student.
Policies
See Appendices D and E and/or Refer to Student Handbook
Class attendance policy
Missed Examination Policy
Class Behavior Policy/Homework Policy
FSU Policy on Disruptive Behavior
Honor Code
All students are expected to maintain high ethical and moral standards. A very important
component of this is the Honor Code. All students are expected to support the following
statement in all written work, quizzes, and examinations. “On my honor, I pledge to do work to
the best of my ability with NO assistance on graded assignments or tests. I also pledge to report
any breach of the honor code to the appropriate faculty member.”
Progression and Retention
There is no guarantee that this course will be offered again if you are unsuccessful. If you
should fail this course, you will not be able to progress to another course.
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TOPICAL OUTLINE
Week One: Introduction to Nursing Research
Chapters 1 & 2
A.
Development of Nursing Research
B.
Development of Evidence-Based Practice
C.
Ethics in Nursing Research
D.
Identify what is informed consent
E.
Identify ethical issues in nursing
Quiz 1 of Chapters 1&2 (10 questions worth 10pts each, multiple attempts)
Week Two: Identify Research Questions, Review of the Literature, and nursing
theory
Chapters 3, 4, 5,
A.
Identify the purpose of a literature review
B.
Differentiate between a primary and secondary source
C.
Different Nursing Theories
D.
Identifying Nursing Research Problems
E.
Be able to differentiate between the problem and purpose of a study
F.
Differentiate between independent and dependant variables
Week Three Quantitative Research
Chapters 6&7
A.
Quantitative Research Designs
B.
Define what is quantitative research
Week Four Qualitative Research
Chapter 8
A.
Qualitative Research Designs
B.
Define what is qualitative research
Evidence Based Practice Project Due
Week Five: Obtaining Study Participants and Collection of Data
Chapters 9, 10
A. Define Populations and Samples
B. Define Measurement and Collection of Data
C. Differentiate between various Data-Collection Methods
Week Six: Upload Quantitative Article
Week Seven: Critique of Quantitative Research Article Due
Week Eight: Course Evaluation
VII. COURSE OUTLINE AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
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*Additional readings will be assigned to facilitate chapter readings and enhance class
discussions. All readings will be placed in Course Information
WEEK/DATE
WEEK 1
January 10th-17th
ASSIGNMENTS
Schmidt & Brown Chapters 1 & 2
Post Introduction
2 Discussion Board Questions
DB W1 Q1
Refer to situation in Critical Thinking exercise
(Box 2-3 pg. 57).
Consider a pediatric/adolescent population as
research subjects. Assume the role of an
organizational IRB. Use the ANA Guidelines for
Protecting the Rights of Human Subjects (Table
2-4 pg. 51) and the Components and Areas of
Concern Appraised by IRB (Table 2-5 pg 5455) to determine:
What are the components and concerns that the
IRB should appraise to protect the human
subjects’ rights of this population?
How does a nurse act as an advocate for the
pediatric/adolescent population?
DB W1 Q2
Pick one of the articles posted under Week One
Articles that addresses evidence-based research
and discuss the main concepts of the article and
whether you agree or disagree with the research
authors. In addition, please post your opinion on
what you think evidenced-based practice is and
if it has any place in nursing.
Please respond to at least one peer!
Remember to cite you source using APA 6th
edition.
Quiz 1
You will have multiple times to complete the 10
item quiz and the highest grade will be recorded.
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WEEK 2
January 18th – 24th
Schmidt & Brown Chapters 3, 4, & 5
2 Discussion Board Questions
DB W2 Q1
Pick a Quantitative Research Article (you may
use one already listed in this course or find one
on EBSCO Host). I have placed a list of peer
reviewed nursing journals under the course
documents tab. Once you have picked a
quantitative article you need to complete the
following:
Cite the article in APA formation.
Identify the research purpose/problem
Identify the hypotheses
Identify the variables and what type of variables
they are.
Remember you are not graded for getting these
answers correct but rather for completing this
exercise!
You do not have to respond to your peers for this
post!
DB W2 Q2
Pick one of the literature reviews in the folder
named (literature reviews). Evaluate the
literature review looking for the following
components.




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The literature review relies primarily on
studies conducted in the last 5 years
The theoretical or conceptual framework
is described.
The review provides support for the
importance of the study.
The authors have used primary, rather
than secondary sources.
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


Studies are critically examined and
reported objectively.
The review is organized so that a logical
unfolding of ideas is apparent that
supports the need for the research.
The review ends with a summary of the
most important knowledge.
The discussion should at least be a good
paragraph stating if the information is contained
in the article. (cite the source in APA format)
Quiz 2
You will have multiple times to complete the 10
item quiz and the highest grade will be recorded.
WEEK 3
January 25th – 31st
Schmidt & Brown Chapter 6 & 7
1 Discussion Board Questions
DB W3 Q1
Please find a quantitative article you would like
to use for the article critique assignment. (Make
sure it is Quantitative!!!)
Make sure it is from a nursing journal! This is
nursing research and all article critiques must be
nursing specific. Make sure your article is not
older than 5years.

Review the article and provide a brief
summary of the article.

Discuss whether you think the article is
true experimental, quasi experimental, or
non-experimental. You must also state
what type of quantitative design
(descriptive, correlational, cross over,
etc.)

Cite the article in 6th edition APA
format.
After you complete your article please
comment on at least 1 other students
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11
evaluation of their article and state whether
you agree or disagree with their findings.
Remember you are not graded on whether you
got this assignment correct but rather that you
completed it! Good luck!
Quiz 3
You will have multiple times to complete the 10
item quiz and the highest grade will be recorded.
WEEK 4
February 1st – 7th
Project due February 7th at 11:59!
Evidenced Based Practice group project
(Due February 7th)
Quiz 4
You will have multiple times to complete the 10
item quiz and the highest grade will be recorded.
Week 5
February 8th – 14th
Schmidt & Brown Chapters 9 & 10
1Discussion Question
DB W5 Q1
Find a quantitative article (it would help if you
had the article you are using for the critique)!
Appraise the data collection method used in the
study. Elaborate on the following questions.






Where was the setting of the study?
What are the variables being measured?
What data collection methods were used?
What is the intervention?
What was the instrument used to collect
the data?
Was the instrument valid and reliable? If
so, how do you know?
Cite your source in APA format
There is no need to respond to your peers for this
discussion board.
Quiz 5
You will have multiple times to complete the 10
item quiz and the highest grade will be recorded.
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12
WEEK 6
February 15th – 21st
Attach your Quantitative article to this week’s
discussion board. It must be an article that you
have selected. It must be a quantitative article
that has been published within the last five years
and it must be from a nursing journal. Please
reference your article in APA format.
Please read another peers article and provide
feedback on the article. Make sure to answer if
the article is quantitative, if the article is from a
peer reviewed nursing journal and if the article
has been published within the last five years.
WEEK 7
February 22nd – 28th
February 25th
Critique Due
March 4th is the final day of class. Please make
sure to evaluate the course.
WEEK 8
March 1st –4th
IX.
Critique of Quantitative Research Article Due
February 25th by 11: 59pm
Teaching Strategies
Lecture
Reading Assignments
Discussion
Presentations
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13
Grading Criteria for Critique of Research Article
This is the actual layout of the critique. This is to be in APA format with a cover page.
Please review APA format in your APA manual. Each section of the grading rubric
should serve as a header in your paper. This will ensure that you meet the entire
criterion. Each section = 5 points except as noted. Total points possible = 100
Content/Elements
Title: Does it identify the general idea of the study? Identify the qualifications of the
authors? Was there information provided to determine if the authors were qualified to
study the topic?
Abstract: Is it clear and concise? Does it give you a good summary of the study? What
elements of the study did the abstract address?
Problem: Is the problem statement clear? Is the problem sufficiently narrow in scope
without being trivial? Is the problem significant? Is the purpose defined? Is the project
significant, feasible, and researchable?
Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: Are the references current, pertinent and
representative of the issues? Are the sources for the literature review mostly primary,
secondary or anecdotal? Was a theoretical framework utilized? Did the authors provide
enough information to readers to see how the framework related to the study?
Research Design Elements: What is the research design? Was the hypothesis clearly
stated or implied? What was the hypothesis for the study? What are the dependant and
independent variables of the study?
Study setting and instruments: Where did data collection occur? Did they provide
information on the validity and reliability of the instruments used? Is this the best way to
get the information? Does the setting reflect the real world?
Protection of Human Subjects: Did they obtain approval from the appropriate
institutional review board(s). Did they conduct the research in an ethical manner?
Sample: Identify sampling plan (probability or non-probability, how many subjects were
in the study? Based on the study did the sampling method and number of subjects seem
appropriate? What is the target population? Is the sample representative of this target
population?
Replication: Is the procedure clear enough to enable replication?
Descriptive: Examine the description of the subjects. Are they used to describe the
sample and/or the study? What do they indicate? Are they clear?
Study Results: Were the statistical results significant or not. Where was the p value of
the study set prior to collecting data? What was the p value they found? What do the
results of the p-value mean in this study?
Understanding: Are the statistics reported clearly and understandably? Discuss the
statistical significance of the results as compare to the clinical significance of the results.
Conclusions: Are they logically related to the hypotheses? Will the findings generalize
to the target population? Are the results consistent with prior findings, new or
contradictory?
Limitations: Are limitations identified? Are there others, which are not identified?
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Points
14
What are they? Are there suggestions for further study?
Confidence: How confidant can you be that the results are valid and useable? Are the
implications for practice logical? What influenced your opinion
Existing Knowledge: Did they compare the results found back to existing knowledge
they identified in the review of the literature?
Professionalism in developing and presenting the critique. Clarity of writing style in
the critique. Proper use of grammar (10 points possible on this element)
Format of paper: margins, references, font type, and font size according to APA (10
points possible on this element)
Late submission: 5 point deduction in points for each business day paper is late
Helpful hints for the article critique!
 Make sure the journal is a nursing journal
 Make sure the article is quantitative
 Make sure you have received approval to use the article
 Make sure the article is no older than 5 years
 Make sure to use APA format (title page, double space, reference page)
 Make sure each section of the rubric has at least a paragraph written for each
subheading
 Make sure to spell check!!!
 Have someone read over your critique before you turn it in
 Make sure you follow the guidelines and you will do great!
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15
Evaluation Criteria Evidence-based Practice Presentation to Peers
Criteria
Summary of practice problem or issue
Summary of findings from literature review (must include at
least 5 related articles)
Summary of information available from Research Reviews
Summary of information available from guidelines
Student's recommendation to address practice issue
Summary of factors to consider to implement recommendation
Professionalism in presentation--grammar, completeness of
ideas, ability to communicate ideas
Reference list, complete, APA style
Late deduction 5 points for each 24 hour period project is late
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Possible Points Earned Points
15
10
10
10
15
15
15
10
16
Discussion Board Grading Rubric
Each question is worth 10 pts. Please ensure that you address each question and all the
parts that you are asked to address.
Each question will state whether you need to respond to your peers or whether you just
need to have an initial posting. If you are to respond to a peer you will need to post more
than just “I agree or good idea”. Your comments will need to be thoughtful and contain
pertinent information relevant to the discussion posting.
Your postings need to contain thought, detail and critical thinking.
0 points
2 Point
4 Points
6 Points
8 Points
10 Points
No
response to
discussion
question(s)
Content:
Undeveloped
responses
that do not
address the
question(s)
only include
personal
comments,
or off topic
comments.
Content:
Undeveloped
responses
that only
address
some
aspects of
the
question(s)
and include
limited
comments
that simply
quote the
text.
Content:
Responses
that address
only some
aspects of
the
question(s),
recall
information
from the text,
demonstrates
limited
knowledge
of major
ideas (i.e.
list or label,
stated
ideas)does
notbuild on
application of
relevant
concepts in
addressing
the
question(s)
and/or
responses to
classmates
Content:
Responses
that address
all aspects of
the
question(s),
reflect an
understanding
of course
content,
application
of relevant
course
concepts,
building on
relevant
concepts in
addressing
the
question(s)
and
responses to
classmates.
Content:
Responses
that address
all aspects of
the question
(s), reflect an
understanding
of course
content,
application
of relevant
course
concepts,
building on
relevant
concepts in
addressing
the
question(s)
and
responses to
classmates
and
encourages
responses
from
classmates.
or
Posted
after due
date
or
No
participation
in weekly
discussion
Format: Intext citations
and
reference list
included in
correct APA
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Format: Intext citations
and
reference list
Format: Intext citations
Format: In-
17
format.
2 point will
be deducted
if references
are
not listed 1
point if
incorrect
APA format
included in
correct APA
format.
2 point will
be deducted
if references
are
not listed 1
point if
incorrect
APA format
Format: Intext citations
and
reference list
included in
correct APA
format.
and
reference list
included in
correct APA
format.
2 point will be
deducted if
2 point will be references
deducted if
are
references
not listed 1
1 point is
are
point if
deducted if
not listed 1
incorrect APA
there is not a 1 point is
point if
format
substantive
deducted if
incorrect
response to there is not a APA format
1 point is
classmate’s substantive
deducted if
post when
response to 1 point is
there is not a
stated.
classmate’s deducted if
substantive
post when
there is not a response to
stated.
substantive
classmate’s
response to
post when
classmate’s
stated.
post when
stated.
Revised January, 2015
text citations
and
reference list
included in
correct APA
format.
2 point will be
deducted if
references
are
not listed 1
point if
incorrect APA
format
1 point is
deducted if
there is not a
substantive
response to
classmate’s
post when
stated.
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