Kholbergs - The Child As A Moral Philosopher

Question 1

Aims

Answer 1

To investigate the development of moral reasoning in children to create a series of stages that could be applied to all

Question 2

Methodology

Answer 2

-conducted through longitudinal study over the course of 12 years which followed the development of the same 75 American boys for 12 years.
- the boys were interviewed every 3 years (qualitative data) to assess their moral reasoning
- cross cultural comparisons

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

• to assess moral thinking, kohlberg created 9 hypothetical moral dilemma (each dilemma presented a conflict between to moral issues)
  -the pts are then asked to discuss three of the dilemmas promoted by a series of specific open questions ( through semi structured interviews)
• e.g should Heinz steal the drug? Why or why not
• if the pts agreed with stealing they were asked ‘if Heinz doesn’t love his wife should he steal the drug for her? Why or why not
• the boys answers were analysed and common themes were identified so that the stage theory could be constructed.
• as it is a longitudinal study, each boy was interviewed every three years
• the same kind of interviews was used with children and adults in other countries

Question 4

Findings

Answer 4

The participants answers were analysed, and common theses were identified. Kohlberg was able to identify the differences in the moral reasoning shown by his participants and used this to develop a stage model of moral development- which can be split up into three stages. Pre conventional (based on actions and direct consequences), conventional (comparing morality with society’s views) and post conventional (realisation that individuals divide societies). Kohlberg found that the younger children thought at the pre conventional level and as they got older their reasons for moral decisions because less focused on themselves and more focused on doing good because their relationship with society is more important. The final level of development is related to moral principles.
There were cross cultural findings as the same procedure was conducted in other countries. The results found were that stages are universal. The results in Mexico and Taiwan were the same as the US sample expect that development was a little slower. Furthermore, middle class children in all culture progressed quicker than lower class children and religion had no effect.

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

• stages are invariant and universal
• some individuals may not reach the final stage
• middle class children move more quickly and further through the stages compared to working class children
• Development isn’t significantly influenced by social, cultural or religious differences but the speed of development is affected by these conditions

Question 6

Finding