Lab 3 Rubric

This lab is graded out of 18 points. Each row is scored from 0–3 points based on the criteria.

Lab activity	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
Restate research question	Research question is clearly and correctly restated using the specified format.	Research question is mostly clear, but minor issues with clarity or format.	Research question is vague or partially incomplete.	Research question is missing or not understandable.
Thinking about potential confounders and effect modifiers	Table/list is complete for all covariates; reasoning is logical and based on research/theory rather than just data trends.	Most covariates addressed; reasoning is present but slightly vague or lacks a theoretical basis.	Only a few covariates addressed or reasoning is purely anecdotal without logical links.	Section is missing or variables are listed without any reasoning.
Bivariate exploration	Appropriate plots created for all covariates with insightful comments on trends, ordering, or linearity for each.	Plots are created for most covariates, but comments are missing or very brief.	Plots are present but many are inappropriate for the variable type (e.g., using scatterplots for categorical data).	No bivariate plots or comments provided.
Multivariate exploration	High-quality 3-variable plot created; axes are readable (tilted/wrapped) and potential trends/confounding are discussed.	Plot is created but difficult to interpret (e.g., overlapping points, unreadable labels) or discussion is missing.	A multivariate plot is attempted but does not include the required variables (Outcome, IV, Subquestion variable).	No multivariate plot provided.
Fit a multiple linear regression model	Correctly fits a model with 3+ covariates (Main IV, Sub-question vairable, +1 other); code runs without error.	Fits model with minor issues (e.g., missing a required variable) or minor coding warnings.	Attempts model but contains major coding or logic errors.	No model fit attempted.
Interpret coefficient estimates for your main covariate	Clear, correct interpretation of the estimate; includes 95% CI and explicitly names all adjusted covariates.	Interpretation is mostly correct but lacks the “holding constant/adjusting for” phrasing or the CI.	Attempted interpretation but contains significant errors in statistical meaning.	No interpretation provided.