Create an evaluation rubric table with five sections -- one section each for the problem statement, literature review, research methods, implications and organization/mechanics. Divide each section into three to five categories, marking the distinction between excellent, good, fair, poor, etc.
Assign point values for each category in each section. The "Research Methods" section should be weighted higher than all other sections, as it represents the bulk of the proposal's content. The "Organization/Mechanics" section should be weighted lowest of all criteria.
Fill in descriptions for each category in the "Problem Statement" section. A good or excellent problem statement must identify and expand upon the problem as it relates to the field, clearly defining all major terms and concepts. A fair problem statement provides a basic explanation of the problem and its importance.
Fill in descriptions for the "Literature Review" section. The literature review must be an exhaustive summary of all past research that relates to the research proposal and it must explain how certain studies' findings suggested the proposed research.
Fill in descriptions for the "Research Methods" section. To receive full points in this section, the proposal must include detailed descriptions of the design and primarily include procedures that have been supported by previous research, explaining why they are appropriate for the proposed study. Any ethical considerations must be dealt with and weighed against the significance of the potential findings.
Fill in descriptions for the "Implications" section. An "excellent" proposal clearly demonstrates how the results of the study will inform current issues in the field and stimulate future research.
Fill in descriptions for the "Organization/Mechanics" section. To receive full credit, the proposal must read smoothly from paragraph to paragraph, with minimal grammatical and stylistic errors. The proposal should satisfy the requirements of the style manual that pertains to the field.