Cognitive explanation to offending: Kohlberg's theory of development Flashcards
Name the 3 levels of development
- Preconventional morality
- Conventional morality
- Post conventional morality
What are the 2 stages in level one of development (preconventional morality)?
Punishment and reward
Outline the punishment stage of preconventional morality
Correct behaviour is behaviour which someone will not be punished for.
How can an offender’s behaviour align with the punishment stage of preconventional morality level.
They may believe that if they do not caught (not face a punishment) their action is ok
Outline the reward stage of preconventional morality
Correct behaviour is what is most rewarding for the individual. Individuals may overestimate the reward.
How can an offender’s behaviour align with the reward stage of the preconventional morality level.
Rewards outweigh the risks and consequences of being caught
Motivated by reward
Outline the good girl/ boy stage of conventional moral development
Meet social approval and expectations
What are the 2 stages of conventional morality level
Good girl / boy
Law and order
Outline law and order stage of conventional morality
Maintain social order. Understanding of laws and their significance
What are the 2 stages of the post conventional morality level
Social contract stage
Ethical principle stage
Outline the social contract change stage of post conventional moral development level
Impartial rules are obeyed
If the laws are in the best interest of society they are obeyed
Outline the ethical principle stage of post conventional moral development level
Own rules established in accordance to personal ethical principles
Could involve disobedience of laws
Research to support Kohlberg’s theory
Palmer and Hollin
Compared moral reasoning in 330 non offenders and 130 convicted offenders using moral dilemas
Offender group - showed less mature moral reasoning
