Cognitive explanations: Moral reasoning Flashcards
Define level of moral reasoning as a cognitive explanation of offending behaviour
Process where somebody draws up their own value system to determine right or wrong
What do developmental theories often state about level of moral reasoning?
That it is a stage process and is often completed by the ages of 9-10. However, if an individual does not progress past a certain level, they are more likely to commit a crime.
Who proposed a stage theory into moral reasoning development?
Kohlberg
How many stages are in Kohlbergs theory?
3
What are the names of level 1, stage 1 and 2?
Pre-conventional morality
Punishment stage: The more definite a punishment is, less likely to occur
Reward stage: What there is to gain from that behaviour
What are the names of level 2, stage 1 and 2?
Conventional morality
Good boy or good girl stage: Considers what others think about them
Law and order stage: Considers obedience to the law
What are the names of level 3, stage 1 and 2?
Post-conventional morality
Social contract stage: Adhere to the law but may break it under circumstances that they feel the law should not apply
Ethical principle stage: Individuals have their own moral codes and may commit a crime if they feel the law is unfair
Who conducted research into the level of moral reasoning?
Palmer
Kenny et al
What did Palmer research into the level of moral reasoning?
Looked at the association between moral development and offending behaviour. Specific moral values that are associated with offending and therefore has practical applications.
