Kohlberg

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

to carry out research to explain/support his theory that moral thinking changes over time

Question 2

Research method

Answer 2

Longitudinal study (12y):
+: clear changes in development over time
-: attrtition: biased ; only certain no. ppl continue participating for 12y

Question 3

Sample

Answer 3

• 75 American boys
• 10-16yrs at start of study

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

1) Ppts shown hypothetical moral dilemmas, in form of short stories relating to diff moral concepts, eg. value of life
> Heinz stole overpriced drug from chemist for dying wife
2) Interviewed every 3 years to investigate progression thru moral development stages
3) Wording dilemmas adapted to suit culture in repeated research
> Taiwan: man’s wife starving to death, shopkeeper = no money, no food. Should he steal?

Question 5

Results - Findings

Answer 5

• K’s stages reflected in answers
• 50% consistent in stage of moral reasoning, regardless dilemma
• ppts showed progress thru stages w increased age
• not all reached stage 6 (individual differences)
• child at earlier developmental stage tend to move forward to next ; prefer this (eg. younger siblings)

Question 6

Results - Cross Cultural Findings

Answer 6

• 16y: Stage 5 thinking more noticable in US than Mexico/Taiwan
• US/Mexico/Taiwan: Middle-class kids often more advanced in moral judgement than matched lower-class
• no religious differences

Question 7

Type of data ?

Answer 7

Qualitative:
+: good insight
-: could hv subjective interpretations to prove own theory

Question 8

Conclusions

Answer 8

• moral development occurs in same sequence, regardless where raised (supports nature to large extent)
• nature of sequence not significantly affected by social, cultural or religious conditions

Question 9

Validity

Answer 9

• Low ecological: hypothetical dilemmas, may act diff irl
• Low internal: demand characteristics - could lie, social desirability, appear more moral to impress researcher

Question 10

Reliabilty

Answer 10

Good external:: easy to replicate, cultural diffs didn’t affect responses
Bad internal: ppts didn’t give consistent responses to particular development stage for diff dilemmas

Question 11

Sampling bias/Ethnocentrism

Answer 11

• androcentric - only males, can’t assume girls same
• large sample - 75
• all American but compared to diff cultures ~ population validity ^

Question 12

Ethics ?

Answer 12

• kids can’t give but parents did
• confidential

Question 13

Practical applications

Answer 13

• can intervene w parents/school if child isn’t hitting particular stage