Evaluating Visuals

Evaluating Visuals (~300 words)

[Will be evaluated using 302 Applying Analyzing Evaluating rubric]

Objective: After completing this preparatory assignment, you will be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of visuals.

Rationale:Effective business communication often employs the use of visuals to make data meaningful and to support the arguments made in the text.  However, that does not mean that all visuals are effective in its purpose and design.  This assignment asks you to think critically about the message, purpose, design, and honesty.

Directions:For this assignment, you will complete exercise 16.3 in our textbook (p. 537-540).  The assignment reads: “Evaluate each of the following visuals by answering the following questions. (1) Is the visual’s message clear? (2) Is it the right visual for the story? (3) Is the visual designed appropriately? Is color, if any, used appropriately? (4) Is the visual  free from chartjunk? (5) Does the visual distort data or mislead the reader in any way?” (Locker and Kienzler 537).

Rubric

302 Analyzing Analyzing Evaluating

302 Analyzing Analyzing Evaluating

CriteriaRatingsPts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLevel of EffortLevel of Effort. Puts forth honest effort to remembering and understanding the relevant course content. Creates thoughtful responses to assignment prompts.

3.0 pts

Exemplary

Responds to assignment prompts in own words; connects content to previous or current experiences or knowledge so thoroughly that instructor couldn’t ask for better; uses complete sentences and paragraphs.

2.4 pts

Mature

Responds to assignment prompts in own words; clearly connects content to previous or current experiences or knowledge; uses complete sentences and paragraphs.

1.8 pts

Competent

Responds to assignment prompts in own words; makes attempt to connect content to previous or current experiences or knowledge but ideas need further development to be completely clear; uses complete sentences and paragraphs.

1.2 pts

Developing

Responds by quoting from other sources; does not make an effort to answer in own words; uses complete sentences and paragraphs.

0.6 pts

Formative

Provides few words of response; incomplete sentences.

3.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAccuracy of ContentAccuracy of Content. Solves problems to new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, concepts, skills, techniques, and rules in a different way. Examines and breaks information into parts by identifying motives, needs, causes, purposes, or contexts. Makes inferences and finds evidence to support claims. Presents and defends opinions by making judgments about information, relevance of ideas, or quality of work based on a set of criteria.

7.0 pts

Exemplary

Responds to the prompts so completely and accurately that the instructor couldn’t ask for any better.

5.9 pts

Mature

Fully addresses the questions; shows clear understanding of the course material; solves a problem, examines information, makes inferences, finds supporting evidence or uses criteria in manner that is clear.

5.3 pts

Competent

Addresses the questions; has minimal misunderstanding of the course material; attempts to solve a problem, examine information, make inferences, find supporting evidence or use criteria but ideas need further development to be completely clear.

4.7 pts

Developing

Misunderstands the course material; does not solve a problem, examine information, make inferences, find supporting evidence, or use criteria.

3.9 pts

Formative

Does not respond directly to the assignment prompts; does not use or refer to the required course content; misrepresents or misunderstands the relevant concepts.

7.0 pts

Total Points: 10.0