This resource compares analytic rubrics and holistic rubrics. We explore their common uses and variations.
There are two types of rubrics that are commonly used:
Analytic rubrics
Holistic rubrics
These rubrics can be designed either task-specifically or generally. Whether a rubric is analytic or holistic is independent of whether it is general or task-specific.
For example, we could have a holistic, general rubrics or an analytic, task-specific rubrics. Refer to the decision tree to determine type of rubric to use.
Analytic rubric
An analytic rubric evaluates criteria one at a time. Since it is used to evaluate specific elements of students’ work, it provides detailed feedback to students (Nitko & Brookhart, 2013).
Common uses
When the assessment involves multiple criteria that need to be assessed separately.
When providing specific feedback to students.
When involving multiple markers.
When encouraging students to self-assess or evaluate their own work.
A holistic rubric requires the marker to make a judgement on the overall quality of student work as a whole without scoring each criterion separately. Compared to an analytic rubric, which has multiple criteria, a holistic rubric only has one criterion.
Common uses
When evaluating the overall quality, performance, and understanding of a specific topic rather than focusing on individual components
When the criteria are complex, interwoven, and difficult to distinguish from one another.
When errors in some part of the process can be tolerated provided the overall quality is high.
When there is no definitive correct answer (Nitko & Brookhart, 2013).
When detailed feedback is not always necessary, such as in final exams.
A task-specific rubric is designed to support the specific content of a particular task (for example, drawing a conclusion on a selected case study). This type of rubric is more specific but less transferable.
Common uses
When the course has specific learning outcomes that require precise alignment with the assessment
When the assessments involve multiple criteria that are unique to the specific assessment piece
In a general rubric, descriptors are developed based on the characteristics of a general competence or task (for example, writing skills). General rubrics could be reused with broader applicability, for a range of individual tasks (i.e., task-type rubrics), or even at a department-wide or institution-wide level.
Common uses
When there are commonalities of criteria across subjects or disciplines.
When a common standard for assessment is needed to compare student performance over time.
Task specific (only applicable to one task or assessment)
General (can be applied to other tasks or contexts)
Analytic rubric (multiple criteria)
Analytic, task specific rubric
Analytic, general rubric
Holistic rubric (one general criterion)
Holistic, task specific rubric
Holistic, general rubric
Matrix showing rubric variations
The matrix shows the specific variations of rubrics, with four variations including:
analytic task-specific rubrics
analytic general rubrics
holistic task-specific rubrics, and
holistic general rubrics.
Rubric decision tree
This decision tree guides educators in selecting the appropriate rubric type.
For overall evaluation of student work, choose ‘Holistic’
For detailed feedback on individual components, choose ‘Analytic’.
Then, if the rubric will be applied across different tasks or contexts, select ‘General rubric’; otherwise, choose ‘Task-specific rubric’. The tree helps identify the best rubric combination based on specific needs.
Rubric decision tree infographic
References
Nitko, A. J., & Brookhart, S. M. (2013). Educational v 6th ed.). Pearson.
