Developmental Psychology

Question 1

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Procedures

Answer 1

Sample:
* 75 American boys, aged 10–16 at start, 22–28 by end.

• Additional samples from GB, Canada, Taiwan, Mexico, and Turkey for cross-cultural comparison.

Question 2

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Methodology

Answer 2

• Longitudinal study over 12 years with 75 American boys.
• Moral reasoning assessed through interviews → qualitative data.
• 9 hypothetical moral dilemmas used (e.g., Heinz dilemma).
• Each boy discussed 3 dilemmas, answering 10+ open-ended questions.
• Answers analysed to identify common themes → led to stage theory.
• Boys re-interviewed every 3 years.

Question 3

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Methodology: Types of questions

Answer 3

• Should Heinz steal the drug? (Why or why not?)
• Does Heinz have a duty or obligation to steal the drug? (Why or
  why not?)
• Is it important for people to do everything they can to save
  another’s life? (Why or why not?)

Question 4

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Findings

Answer 4

The boys’ answers were analysed and common themes were identified so that thestage theory could be constructed.

Question 5

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Findings Kohlberg’s stages of moral development

Answer 5

THE PRECONVENTIONAL LEVEL:
Stage 1: The punishment and obedience orientation.
Stage 2: The instrumental purpose orientation.

THE CONVENTIONAL LEVEL:
Stage 3: Interpersonal cooperation.
Stage 4: The social order maintaining orientation.

THE POST CONVENTIONAL LEVEL:
Stage 5: The social contract orientation.
Stage 6: The universal ethical principles orientation

Question 6

(3)

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Findings

Answer 6

Kohlberg found that the younger children thought at the pre-conventional level and as they got older their reasons for moral decision became less focused on themselves and more focused on doing well because relations with others are viewed as important.

Question 7

(4)

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Findings

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Conclusions

Answer 8

Moral stages are invariant and universal (same order worldwide).

Each stage = more balanced, logical, and morally mature understanding.

Question 9

Kohlberg, L. (1968). Conclusions

Answer 9

Moral discussion classes can help children develop their moral thinking, and discussions with children at stages 3 and 4 result in the child moving forwards.