Kohlberg Findings Flashcards
What did kohlberg do with the boys answers
They were analysed and common themes were identified so that the state theory could be constructed
What is the preconception level?
Focus is on absolute rights and absolute wrongs. The child considers the outcome rather than the intention of an act. For example if a child breaks a glass this is naughty. whether the breakage was accidental or on purpose is not important to their decision. In Heinz dilemma it is wrong to steal
The conventional level
Obeying social rules is important, initially for their own reward- ‘good boy’ but later for the good of society. In Heinz dilemma it is wrong to steal Heinz will be in trouble, later it is wrong to steal because it belongs to
The doctors
What is the post conventional level?
Laws are seen as more flexible where they differ from personal principles the principle may prevail. In Heinz dilemma it would be acceptable to steal the drug as the doctor is being unethical
Why use a stage theory?
A stage theory accounts for how behaviour changes at different ages. Kohlberg found the younger the children though at the preconventional level age and as they got older their reasons for moral decisions became less focuses on themselves and more focuses on doing good, because relationships with others were important. Kohlberg found the results were similar cross culturally through moral developmemt but was slightly slower in Mexico and Taiwan
