Developmental Psychology - Kohlberg Flashcards
Aims
Aimed to investigate the development of moral reasoning in children in order to create a series of stages that could apply to all
Methodology
-Longitudinal study over 12 years
-75 young American males interviewed every 3 years
-p’s aged 10-16
-Compared the males from America to those in Canada, turkey, uk, Taiwan and Mexico
Procedure
-he created 9 hypothetical dilemmas
-each p was asked to discuss 3 of these dilemmas prompted by a set of 10 open ended questions
-they were asked to decide what the correct/moral thing to do was between 2 conflicting ideas - type of semi structured interview
-responses were analysed and general themes created then reassessed every 3 years
-did cross cultural comparisons
Findings
-boys answers were analysed and identified 3 themes
1-pre conventional level:
Stage 1= the punishment and obedience orientation (focus on obeying rules that are enforced by punishment)
Stage 2= the instrumental purpose orientation (view actions as right if they satisfy their own needs)
2-conventional level:
Stage 3= interpersonal cooperation (what is right is what is expected by others/society to fulfil a role)
Stage 4= social order maintaining orientation (shifts from the idea of a role to more norms established by wider society)
3-post conventional level:
Stage 5= social contract (laws seen as flexible
Stage 6=universal ethical principle orientation (morality is defined in terms of self chosen moral principles so should act in accordance)
Cross cultural findings
Stages are universal
Differences in how quick children go through stages
Age 16 - most in stage 4/5 whereas Taiwan and Mexico in 3/4
Middle class progresses quicker but religion had no impact
Conclusions
Stages are universal however same may never reach stage 6
Can move up stages but not down
Evaluation of methodology - ecological (external) validity
S-weakness as its not based on real life decisions
E-based on hypothetical moral dilemmas
E-research on peoples own moral dilemmas e.g abortiuon are more plausible and valid
W-lacks ecological validity due to unrealistic scenarios
Evaluation - internal validity
S-weakness as it uses self report methods
E-findings may not represent what they’d actually do but instead what they think they’d do
E-this means they’re vulnerable to demand characteristics and social desirability
W-lacks internal validity
Evaluation of the sample
S-weakness as they’re all male
E-75 males aged 10-16
E-androcentric so can’t be generalised
C-however can be cross cultured
W-Therefore s weakness as it can’t be generalised to wider public
Evaluation - longitudinal research
S-strength is he used longitudinal research
E-over 12 years - p’s interviewed every 3 years
E-this would allow him to see developments in morality over time - increases consistency
C-sample attrition/drop out
W-further research needs to be done into moral development
Evaluation - ethics
S-weakness as ethical issues may arise
E-informed consent
E-10 year olds - 16 can’t legally consent and don’t fully understand- should wait till they’re 18 to publish
W-weakness as it breaches ethical guidelines
