Cognitive Explanation

Question 1

Kohlberg’s 6 Stages of Moral Development

Answer 1

The higher the stage, the more sophisticated the reasoning. He gave a series of moral dilemmas e.g. the Heinz dilemma, to people to objectify their response into levels. The top level is postconventional morality. There is stage 5 which is when rules are obeyed if impartial, and democratic rules challenged if infringe on rights. Stage 6 is when individuals establish their own rules in accordance with a personal set of ethical principles. The middle level is conventional morality. Stage 3 is when rules are obeyed for approval, and stage 4 when rules are obeyed to maintain social order. The bottom stage is preconventional morality. Stage 1 is when rules are obeyed to avoid punishment, and stage 2 when they are obeyed for personal gain.

Question 2

Morality and Criminality

Answer 2

Offenders are more likely to be classed at bottom level. People are more likely to commit crime at this level as they can get away with it or gain a reward. Those at higher levels tend to sympathise with others and will be honest, generous, and non violent

Question 3

Cognitive Distortions

Answer 3

These are faulty, biased, or irrational ways of thinking that mean we perceive the world inaccurately, usually negatively. This has been linked to the way criminals interpret others behaviours to justify their actions.

Question 4

Hostile Attribution Bias

Answer 4

This is when they judge ambiguous situations, or actions of others, as aggressive and/or threatening when they aren’t. Offenders misread non-aggressive cues which triggers a disproportionate, often violent, response.

Question 5

Minimalisation

Answer 5

This is a type of deception where they downplay the significance of an event or emotion. This deals with guilt. Offenders may apply a euphemistic label e.g. burglar saying supporting family.

Question 6

Weakness 1

Answer 6

It is descriptive not explanatory. It describes state of mind but does not explain why offender turned to crime to begin with. Furthermore intelligence may be a better predictor of criminality than moral reasoning.

Question 7

Strength

Answer 7

It has provided treatment. Rehabilitation of sex offenders is CBT addressing them to face up to actions. However, it cannot be used for all offenders as those do not plead guilty.

Question 8

Weakness 2

Answer 8

It doesn’t account for important individual differences. Thornton and Reid (1982). Furthermore, it cannot explain those who offenders commit crimes for the benefit of others.