Kholbergs Cognitive Explanation

Question 1

Describe Kholbergs theory

Answer 1

Moral reasoning progresses in 6 stages of sophistication. Lower levels associated with criminal behaviour

Question 2

What are the 3 levels called?

Answer 2

Level 1: preconventional morality
Level 2: conventional morality
Level 3: postconventional morality

Question 3

Describe stages 1 and 2

Answer 3

1. Rules obeyed to avoid punishment

2. Rules are obeyed for personal gain

Question 4

Describe stages 3 and 4

Answer 4

3. Rules obeyed for approval

4. Rules obeyed to maintain social order

Question 5

Describe stage 5 and 6

Answer 5

Stage 5. Rules are obeyed to respect other personals rights

Stage 6. Makes discussion off own moral principles

Question 6

What is pre-conventional morality associated with

Answer 6

Less mature, child like reasoning with egocentric reasoning

Question 7

Name 3 problems with Kholbergs validity

Answer 7

1. Only boys so androcentric beta bias
2. No control group
3. Only from Chicago

Question 8

Evidence for levels

Answer 8

Palmer (1998)

1. Compared moral reasoning of 210 female/ 122 male non offenders and 126 convicts
2. Used 11 moral dilemma questions
3. Convict group showed less mature moral reasoning in line with Koholbergs predictions
4. Blackburn- not enough role play