Discussions & Limitations of theory

Question 1

Discussion on Piaget’s moral judgement development?

Answer 1

Support evidence:
- children does take intentions and motives into consideration more as they grow older
- performance on IQ test, perspective tests are associated with the child’s moral judgement

Contradictory evidence:
- if make the intention clear, even children in the pre-operational state can judge correctly
- most 4-5 years old understand that accidents is due to the person not knowing their actions can have negative consequence.
- 3 yrs old are less likely to help adults who intend to hurt others compared to neutral adults

Question 2

Limitations of the Strange situation

Answer 2

• Does not show continuous attachment states
• Short reunion & separation -> lack ecological validity
• Non-consistent findings in other countries
• Western-centric theory

Question 3

Discussion (limitation) of Kohlberg’s theory on moral judgement?

Answer 3

• Did not sufficiently differentiate between truly moral issues and issues of social convention
• Did not consider cross-cultural differences in moral behaviour.
• Moral reasoning is not as discontinuous (stage-like) as suggested.
• Depends heavily on situations, not linear development as suggested