1. Evaluating theory Assessment criteria 3.3 Evaluate suitability of criminological theories to explain causes of criminality

2. What is evaluation? Evaluation refers to the act of making a judgement against an agreed set of criteria or references.

3. How do we evaluate theories? Does the theory help us to understand the social world in a new way? Is there evidence to support the theory? Is it possible to test the theory using scientific methods? Is the theory logical so that it doesn’t contradict itself? Is the theory relatively simple to understand and to apply?

4. Evaluating a theory Biological theoryYes or no, because … Does the theory help us to understand crime in a new way? Is there evidence about crime to support the theory? Is it possible to test the theory using scientific methods? Is the theory logical so that it doesn’t contradict itself? Is the theory relatively simple to understand and to apply?

5. Biological theory StrengthsWeaknesses

6. Evaluating a theory Individualistic theoryYes or no, because … Does the theory help us to understand crime in a new way? Is there evidence about crime to support the theory? Is it possible to test the theory using scientific methods? Is the theory logical so that it doesn’t contradict itself? Is the theory relatively simple to understand and to apply?

7. Individualistic theory StrengthsWeaknesses

8. Evaluating a theory Sociological theoryYes or no, because … Does the theory help us to understand crime in a new way? Is there evidence about crime to support the theory? Is it possible to test the theory using scientific methods? Is the theory logical so that it doesn’t contradict itself? Is the theory relatively simple to understand and to apply?

9. Sociological theory StrengthsWeaknesses

10. Task Explain with clear and valid reasoning which theories you find most satisfactory for explaining Euthanasia. Give your reasons why. This must include elements of at least three of the theories out of the large number you have looked at. Think about how these might be able to work together to form a holistic view of the crime. Once you have addressed this fully refer back to your work on ac 2.2 – what policies would each of these elements put into place to address euthanasia? Can these be brought together to work as one? How would they go about punishing?