Kohlberg's moral reasoning theory

Question 1

What did Kohlberg say about moral reasoning development

Answer 1

Kohlberg says moral reasoning develops through stages that are progressively sophisticated (i.e: from primitive to advanced)

Question 2

define moral dilemma

Answer 2

Stage indicated by responses to stories e.g: Heinz dilemma (stealing a life- saving drug)

Question 3

What is the link between level of moral reasoning and criminality

Answer 3

Offenders are classified at the pre- conventional stage
E.g: “child like” moral reasoning, follow rules just to avoid punishment and gain rewards

Question 4

If a person has a higher level of moral reasoning what this mean about what their behaviour is driven by

Answer 4

The higher the level of moral reasoning, the more the behaviour is driving by a sense of what is right and less driven by avoiding punishment or disapproval

Question 5

Define moral reasoning

Answer 5

Refers to the way a person thinks about right or wrong. It is presumed this thinking is then applied to behaviour

Kohlberg proposed that peoples decisions and judgements on what is right or wrong can be summaries in a stage theory of moral reasoning . The higher the stage, the more sophisticated the reasoning

Question 6

What are the 3 levels of moral reasoning

Answer 6

1. Level 1
   (Pre conventional morality)
2. Level 2
   (Conventional morality)
3. Level 3
   (Post - conventional morality)

Question 7

What are the 6 stages in the level of moral reasoning model proposed by Kohlberg

Answer 7

1. Punishment orientation
   (Rules are obeyed to avoid punishment)
2. Instrumental orientation or personal gain
   (Rules are obeyed for personal gain)
3. “Good boy” or “Good girl” orientation
   (Rules are obeyed for approval)
4. Maintenance of social order
   (Rules are obeyed to maintain social order)
5. Morality of contract and individual rights
   (Rules are challenged if they infringe on the rights of others)
6. Morality of conscience
   (Individuals have a personal set of ethical principles)

Question 8

what 2 stages are involved in the level 1 (pre conventional morality level)

Answer 8

1. Punishment orientation
   ( rules are obeyed to avoid punishment)
2. Instrumental orientation or personal gain
   (Rules are obeyed for personal gain)

Question 9

What 2 stages are involved in the conventional morality level of moral reasoning

Answer 9

3. Stage 3 - “Good boy” or “Good girl” orientation
   (Rules are obeyed for approval)
4. Stage 4 - Maintenance of social order
   (Rules are obeyed to maintain social order)

Question 10

What 2 stages are involved in level 3 post - conventional morality level of moral reasoning

Answer 10

5. Stage 5 - morality of contract and individual rights
   (Rules are challenged if they infringe on the rights of others)
6. Stage 6 - morality of conscience
   (Individuals have a personal set of ethical principles)

Question 11

How does the level of moral reasoning model explain offending behaviour

Answer 11

Offenders tend to show a lower level of moral reasoning than non offenders with Kohlberg’s research showing a group of violent youths were at a significantly lower level of moral development than non violent youths

This theory is based on the Heinz dilemma

Question 12

Why are offenders more likely to be classed in the pre conventional level (so stages 1 and 2)

Answer 12

Pre conventional level is illustrated by a need to avoid punishment, gain rewards with individuals appearing immature or childlike in their reasoning

Adults and adolescents who are at this level may commit their crime if they think they can get away with it or there is financial gain or increased respect