Theory is a method to organize known facts into an easy-to-understand and apply format. Each theory provides its own explanation of why crime occurs. However, theories can be contradictory of one another when explaining why crime occurs. So how can be sure we using the best theory to explain the crime or base public policy on?

Your task for this assignment is to create a grading rubric that can be used to assess the various criminological theories objectively. Your book has a few basic ideas for evaluation criteria. However, you must go beyond your textbook for this assignment. Meaning, do not include the grading criteria from your book. This includes describing the same thing in your book but calling it by a different name. Be creative and innovative. Think about what you would want to know about a given theory, and what criteria would provide insight in evaluating the strengths and limitations of a theory and comparing to it other theories.

I am looking primarily for the definitions of your criteria and your scoring system that differentiates between scores for your criteria. You will need to include a scoring scale in your grading rubric and define it. For example, how and why is theory 1 better than theory 2 on your criteria?

To exemplify the components of the grading rubric, think about shopping for a new car. What are the features (or criteria) you want for your new car? These features should be objective enough to compare a sedan to a SUV to a truck.

For example, you can create a grading rubric that looks something like this:

*Note – do not just copy mine. Make it your own by using your own words and ideas.

In the example above, Gas mileage is the criterion. Gas mileage is defined as the number of miles the vehicle can go per one gallon of gas (MPG). The scoring system is broken down into at least three categories: Excellent, Average, and Poor. An empirical measurement for MPG is defined for each scoring category. This is the type of grading rubric, including the criteria and scoring system that I am looking for in your assignment. Feel free to use scoring categories other than Excellent, Average, and Poor.

Please do not actually evaluate any theories with your criteria. The assignment is solely to come up with a grading rubric, the criteria, and the scoring system and their respective definitions.

Example grading rubrics can be found via Google. There are numerous styles and formats that you can model your grading rubric after.

You can use sources outside of the class, just make sure to include citations. Please provide a full reference page in APA format for all sources used.