cognitive explanations of offending behaviour

Question 1

Kohlberg’s stages of moral development

Answer 1

6 stages split over 3 levels

Question 2

Kohlberg’s study to create this model

Answer 2

sample of 72 Chicago boys aged 10-16
58 were followed up at 3 yearly intervals of 20 years
each boy was given a 2 hour interview based in 10 dilemmas
Kohlberg interested on whether they perceived the consequential action as right or wrong
found it changed as they got older

Question 3

level 1

Answer 3

pre conventional level including stages 1 and 2

no personal moral code - shaped by our surroundings

Question 4

Stage 1

Answer 4

obedience and punishment orientation

- child wants to avoid punishment

Question 5

stage 2

Answer 5

individualism and exchange

- belief that different individuals have different viewpoints

Question 6

level 2

Answer 6

conventional morality
begin to internalise moral standards of valued role models
including stages 3 and 4

Question 7

stage 3

Answer 7

good interpersonal relationships

- want to be seen as a good person

Question 8

stage 4

Answer 8

maintaining social order

- aware of rules in society

Question 9

level 3

Answer 9

post conventional morality - individual judgements are based on self chosen principles
includes stages 5 and 6

Question 10

stage 5

Answer 10

social contract and individual rights

- aware of laws

Question 11

stage 6

Answer 11

universal principles

- adopt own set of moral guidelines

Question 12

criminal offenders are classified at which stage?

Answer 12

pre conventional Level

associated with less mature reasoning

Question 13

strength Palmer and Hollin 1998

Answer 13

compared moral reasoning between female and male non offenders and 126 convicted offenders finding them to have less mature moral reasoning
consistent with Kohlberg’s predictions

Question 14

weakness - Rest 1979

Answer 14

individuals do not always progress through stages

found that 1 in 14 slipped backwards