Kohlberg Study - Findings & Conclusions

Question 1

What is a stage theory?

Answer 1

A stage theory is an account of how behaviour changes at different ages.

Question 2

What did Kohlberg find through the boys’ answers?

Answer 2

• Younger children thought at the pre-conventional level.
• As they got older, their reasons for moral decisions became less focus on themselves and more focussed on doing good because relationships with others are important.

Question 3

What is the final level of development related to?

Answer 3

The final level of development is related to moral principles.

Question 4

Describe the results in Mexico and Taiwan.

Answer 4

The results in Mexico and Taiwan were the same, except development was a little slower.

Question 5

What are the key features of moral development?

Answer 5

• Stages are invariant and universal. People everywhere go through the same stages in the same order.
• Each new stage represents a more equilibrated form of moral understanding. This results in a more consistent, morally mature form of understanding.