Forensic psychology- Kohlberg's level of moral reasoning

Question 1

what type of explanation is Kohlberg’s level of moral reasoning ?

Answer 1

psychodynamic and cognitive explanation

Question 2

what does moral reasoning refer to ?

Answer 2

refers to the process by which an individual draws upon their own value system to determine whether an action is right or wrong.

Question 3

how did kohlberg objectify the process of moral reasoning

Answer 3

Kohlberg identified different levels of reasoning based on people’s answers to moral dilemmas + proposed that people’s decisions and judgements on issues on right and wrong can be summarised in a stage theory of moral development- the higher the stage, the more sophisticated the reasoning.

Question 4

what are the levels in kohlbergs level of moral reasoning

Answer 4

Question 5

how does Kohlberg’s model relate to criminality

Answer 5

Criminals are more likely to be classified at the pre-conventional level of Kohlberg’s model, whereas non-criminals have generally progressed to the preconventional level and beyond.

Question 6

what is the preconventional level characterised by

Answer 6

need to avoid punishment
gain rewards,
associated with a less mature, childlike reasoning.

Both adults and teenagers who reason at this level may commit crime if they can get away with it, or gain rewards in the form of money, increased respect

Question 7

what is Kohlberg’s level of moral reasoning and its link with criminality supported by

Answer 7

studies which suggest that offenders are often more egocentric (self-centred) + display poorer social perspective-taking skills than non-offending peers.

Individuals who reason at higher levels tend to sympathise more with the rights of others exhibit more conventional behaviours such as honesty, generosity, and non-violence.