There is no specific page requirement or word count, but the paper must be thorough, formatted correctly, organized properly, and contain minimal spelling/grammar mistakes to receive full points. Section 1: Explain the foundational roots of the theory. This must include key theorists, any main assumptions, and variations in the theory. What are the main elements of this theory? What is this theory used to understand? Deviance, gangs, white collar crime, sex offenses, drug crimes, etc.
Section 2: Using a minimum of 5 studies, discuss the empirical research associated with this theory. You will find this information in peer-reviewed journal articles. When discussing each study be sure to explain: who the study population was, how they were studied (interview, observation, survey, etc), what the key independent and dependent variables were, and what the main findings were.
Section 3: Discuss how the studies fit into the larger body of literature. Are they all validating the theory? Is the evidence for this theory mixed? Are the studies finding that the results depend on the population? Etc. Sum up what we know and what we do not. Then detail how we can advance this theory, unless you explain why it should not be advanced.
Section 4: Describe the practical implications of this theory. Have there been any programs or policies designed using this theory? What were the results? Keep in mind empirical research should be used here. If you cannot find any articles about policies or programs you can describe what one would look like, but you must be very detailed.