2.5.2 Kohlberg: Findings & Conclusions

Question 1

what did kohlberg create to understand the results

Answer 1

the levels of convention

Question 2

state the 3 levels of convention in kohlbergs results

Answer 2

1. preconventional level (stage 1-2)
2. conventional level (stages 3-4)
3. postconventional level (stages 5-6)

Question 3

what was found at the pre-conventional level (stage 1-2)

Answer 3

• the focus on right/wrong based on outcomes, not intentions
• Heinz example: stealing is wrong, regardless of the reason

Question 4

what was found at the conventional level (stage 3-4)

Answer 4

• the importance of obeying rules and social approval
• Heinz example: wrong to steal due to consequences or breaking rules

Question 5

what was found at the post-conventional level (stage 5-6)

Answer 5

• laws can be flexible if they conflict with moral principles
• Heinz example: acceptable to steal if the law is unjust or the chemist is unethical

Question 6

what were the additional findings in Kohlbergs study

Answer 6

• younger children tended to reason at the preconventional level
• as children aged, moral reasoning shifted towards social responsibility and ethical thinking
• at age 16,stage 5, reasoning was more common in USA than mexico or Taiwan
• no significant differences in moral development acorss relgions
• conventional thinking increased with age in isolated villages (mexico, turkey) but did not fully replace preconventional reasoning

Question 7

what were the conclusions drawn from Kohlbergs study

Answer 7

• moral development occurs in universal invariant (the same) stages
• each stage reflects a more balanced, logical and mature understanding of morality
• moral discussion classes can aid development: exposure to higher level reasoning can help advance thinking
• not everyone reaches the 6th and final stage of moral development