2.5.2 Evaluation and ethics of Kohlberg

Question 1

what are 2 strength of Kohlbergs study

Answer 1

1. longitudinal design
2. real world applications

Question 2

explain the strength ‘longitudinal desgin’ in kohlbergs research

Answer 2

• reduces effects of individual differences that could influence results
• more reliable findings that cross-sectional design
  > would compared different individuals at each stage

Question 3

explain the strength ‘real world applications’ in kohlbergs research

Answer 3

• kohlbergs theorys has influenced theories about the origins of criminal behaviour
• suggests that criminals are more likely to remain at the pre-conventional level of moral reasoning

supported by Hollin and Palmer (2000):
- moral reasoning predicts delinquency
- there’s a positive correlation between low moral reasoning and certain disciplinary styles

Question 4

what are 3 weaknesses of Kohlbergs study

Answer 4

1. Lacks mundane realism
2. culture bias
3. social desirability

Question 5

explain the weakness ‘lacks mundane realism’ in Kohlbergs study

Answer 5

• participants were asked to respond to hypothetical dilemmas rather than real life moral dilemmas
• real life moral decisions often involve emotional arousal and anxiety, which may effect reasoning

> study may lack ecological validity as lab responses might not reflect real world behaviour

Question 6

explain the weakness ‘culture bias’ in Kohlbergs study

Answer 6

• the study used an American sample, reflecting values of an individualistic culture
• responses may not apply to people from collectivist cultures (e.g china) where group needs and harmony are prioritised
  > can effect interpretations of moral dilemmas

Question 7

explain the weakness ‘social desirability’ in Kohlbergs study

Answer 7

• self-report methods
  > ptps prefer to prevent themselves in a good light

Question 8

what are 5 ethical issues in Kohlbergs study

Answer 8

1. informed consent +-
2. psychological harm -
3. right to withdraw -
4. confidentiality +
5. use of children +-

Question 9

explain ‘informed consent’ in kohlbergs study

Answer 9

• Participants were young boys when the study began
  > parental consent would have been required

It’s unclear whether the participants were fully informed about the nature of the study and how their responses would be used

Question 10

explain ‘psychological harm’ in kohlbergs study

Answer 10

• Some of the moral dilemmas (e.g. involving death or breaking the law) could have caused distress or confusion, especially for younger children
• Although hypothetical, discussing serious moral conflicts might lead to anxiety or discomfort

Question 11

explain ‘right to withdraw’ in kohlbergs study

Answer 11

• There’s limited information on whether participants were reminded of their right to withdraw throughout the 12-year study
• Longitudinal designs can sometimes lead to participants feeling obliged to continue

Question 12

explain ‘confidentiality’ in kohlbergs study

Answer 12

• No major breaches were reported, but confidentiality must have been maintained over many years
• Ensuring participants’ data remained anonymous in such a long-term study would be essential

Question 13

explain the ethical issue ‘use of children’ in kohlbergs study

Answer 13

• Since many participants were minors, extra care should have been taken to protect their welfare
• ensure the ethical conduct of interviews