Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

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Questions and Answers

Which stage of moral development involves obedience to rules established by powerful individuals?

  • Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships
  • Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation (correct)
  • Stage 4: Law and Order
  • Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange

Stage 4 of Kohlberg's moral development theory is characterized by valuing the perspectives of other individuals over societal laws.

False (B)

What is the primary concern of individuals in Stage 2 of Kohlberg's moral development?

Recognizing that others have needs as well.

How many stages are proposed in Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development?

<p>6 stages (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Kohlberg's theory, Stage 1 is characterized by __________ morality.

<p>pre-conventional</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of moral development in psychology?

<p>How individuals acquire and refine their sense of right and wrong (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the stages of Kohlberg's moral development with their characteristics:

<p>Stage 1 = People make decisions based on personal benefits. Stage 2 = Recognition of others' needs. Stage 3 = Concern for relationships. Stage 4 = Obeying societal rules for order.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kohlberg's theory of moral development only includes one level.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Heinz Dilemma in Kohlberg's studies?

<p>To explore the reasoning behind people's moral decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method did Kohlberg use to assess moral reasoning?

<p>Moral dilemmas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Piaget identified three main stages of cognitive development.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Jean Piaget had no influence on Kohlberg's theory of moral development.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Heinz's dilemma regarding the druggist?

<p>Heinz needed to steal the drug to save his dying wife because the druggist charged too much.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kohlberg extended the theories of __________ to include moral reasoning.

<p>Jean Piaget</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the _____ stage of morality, children believe in strict obedience to rules set by authority figures.

<p>Heteronomous</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of moral development research?

<p>Understanding the processes through which people develop ethical standards, values, and principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following moral development stages with their descriptions:

<p>Obedience and Punishment = Moral reasoning based on avoidance of punishment Instrumental Orientation = Moral reasoning based on self-interest Interpersonal Relationships = Moral reasoning focused on social approval Social Contract = Moral reasoning based on societal rules and agreements</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the stage of moral development with its characteristics:

<p>Heteronomous Morality = Moral rules are seen as fixed and handed down by authority figures Autonomous Morality = Rules can be negotiated and understood in terms of mutual respect</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what level of Kohlberg's theory do individuals primarily focus on social order and justice?

<p>Conventional Level (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the cost of the drug that the druggist was selling?

<p>$2,000 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Heinz Dilemma illustrates straightforward moral choices without complexity.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the primary psychologist associated with the theory of moral development?

<p>Lawrence Kohlberg</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Autonomous Morality, children's moral judgments become less flexible.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Heinz to consider stealing the drug?

<p>His wife's dire health condition and the prohibitive cost of the drug.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Kohlberg's Theory

A theory explaining how individuals develop their moral reasoning in stages, focusing on how they think about right and wrong when facing a moral dilemma.

Heinz Dilemma

A famous story used to assess moral development, involving Heinz needing to steal a drug to save his sick wife.

Stages of Moral Development

Six distinct stages grouped into three levels, outlining the progression of how people make ethical decisions.

Level 1: Pre-Conventional Morality

The first level, focusing on self-interest and avoiding punishment, centered around individual needs and consequences.

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Level 2: Conventional Morality

The second level, emphasizing social conformity and maintaining social order, taking into account societal norms.

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Level 3: Post-Conventional Morality

The highest level, incorporating individual principles and universal ethical values, considering abstract moral principles and human rights.

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Moral Reasoning

The process of thinking through right and wrong in ethical situations, involving judgment and decision-making.

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Ethical Principles

Core beliefs guiding moral behavior, such as honesty, fairness, and compassion, influencing decision-making.

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Moral Development

The process of learning ethical standards, values, and principles.

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Jean Piaget's Influence

Piaget's work on child development influenced Kohlberg's study of moral development. Kohlberg built on Piaget's ideas to understand how children's moral reasoning changes over time.

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Moral Dilemma

A situation with two conflicting moral choices, used by Kohlberg to study how people justify their decisions.

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Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation

People make choices based on avoiding punishment, even if it means ignoring others' needs.

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Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange

People recognize others have needs, but prioritize their own self-interest. They may bargain or exchange favors.

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Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

People value social harmony and conforming to expectations to maintain relationships. They consider others' feelings and intentions.

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Stage 4: Law and Order

People understand and follow rules for maintaining social order. They believe it's their duty to obey laws.

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Stage 4: Flexibility of Rules

People in Stage 4 recognize rules aren't always fixed and can change as society's needs evolve.

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Pre-conventional Morality

The first stage of moral development. People focus on avoiding punishment and getting rewards.

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Conventional Morality

The second stage of moral development. People conform to social rules and laws to maintain order and win approval.

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Post-conventional Morality

The highest stage of moral development. People develop their own moral code based on justice and universal principles.

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Heteronomous Morality

Moral reasoning based on strict obedience to rules set by authority figures.

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Autonomous Morality

Moral reasoning based on understanding rules, principles, and mutual respect.

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What is the difference between pre-conventional and conventional morality?

Pre-conventional morality focuses on avoiding punishment and getting personal rewards, while conventional morality centers on conforming to social rules and laws to maintain order and win approval.

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Study Notes

Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

  • Kohlberg (1927-1987) was an American psychologist known for his theory of moral development
  • His theory built upon Piaget's work, focusing on the thinking process behind moral decisions
  • Kohlberg's theory posits that moral reasoning progresses through stages
  • The stages are grouped into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional

Heinz Dilemma

  • A famous moral dilemma used by Kohlberg to study moral development
  • The dilemma involves a man named Heinz whose wife is dying and needs a drug that is too expensive
  • Kohlberg was interested in the reasoning behind people's answers to the dilemma, which helped identify stages of moral development

Stages of Moral Development

  • Level 1: Pre-conventional Morality
    • Focuses on self-interest
    • Stage 1: Obedience and punishment: Actions are judged based on the consequences of punishment or reward
    • Stage 2: Instrumental relativism: Actions are judged based on whether they satisfy personal needs. A focus on "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours"
  • Level 2: Conventional Morality
    • Focuses on social rules and expectations
    • Stage 3: Interpersonal accord and conformity: Actions are judged based on whether they gain social approval
    • Stage 4: Maintaining social order: Actions are judged based on upholding laws and societal norms
  • Level 3: Post-conventional Morality
    • Focuses on broad ethical principles
    • Stage 5: Social contract and individual rights: Rules are important mechanisms for maintain social order, but can and should be changed if necessary
    • Stage 6: Universal ethical principles: Abstract ethical principles guide decisions, even when against societal norms

Criticism of Kohlberg's Theory

  • Kohlberg's dilemmas are artificial and lack ecological validity
  • The sample used in the research is all-male; it could be argued this creates bias as morals differ in men and women, and also does not represent all genders

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