tutorial 6: moral development

what are the two stages in moral development in piagets theory?

1. heteronomous morality

2. autonomous morality

what does the heteronomous stage suggest and how long does it last?

4-7 years

• children in that stage rules are unchangeable, out of control and that there is imminent justice (they will immediately get punished if they break the rules)

• thinking that people experiencng something bad must have broken the rules

what does the autonomous stage suggest and how long does it last?

10 and older

• realizing that rules and laws are man made and can be changed

• knowing they will only be punished when someone sees them

• knowing that innocent people can experience adversities too

• considering intentions when judging actions

what is the msot important thing driving moral development accorrding to piaget and kohlberg?

interactions with peers, because they are on the same level and can figure out the rules themselves and exchange their perspectives

what trend does morality follow in development according to kohlberg?

it become more internal over time

what are the three levels of moral reasoning in kohlbergs theory?

• preconventional

• conventional

• postconventional

what are the six stages of kohlbergs theory?

1. punishment and obedience

2. individualism and exchange

3. good interpersonal relationships

4. maintaining the social order

5. social contract or utility and equal rights

6. universal ethical principles

what is the “kohlberg Blatt method”?

iducing cognitive conflict so the children can advance their moral reasoning through discussion and moral dilemmas

what is the “just community approach”?

classroom is advised to behave like a community and is given moral dilemmas to discuss

what does Banduras social cognitive theory suggest?

self regulation is teh driving force for moral development (Not abstract reasoning)

• the goal of our behaviour is to strengthen our self esteem and refrain from immoral actions because it will lead to self-condemnation

what is moral competence?

ability to perform moral behaviour (knowing what is moral)

what is moral performance?

actually performing moral behaviour

what does the psychoanalytic theory suggest about moral development?

moral development is driven by teh desire to avoid guilt

→ superego is the moral branch of the personality and from when the child identifies with the parent of the same sex

how many changes in empathy are there according to William Damon?

• early infancy = global empathy, not distinguishing between feelings and needs of others, being distressed when others are

• 1-2 years = more genuine concern but no effective action

• early childhood= more appropriate actions

• 10-12 years = empathy for people in unfortunate circumstances

what is the moral identity?

when moral responsibility is central to someone character

what is a moral character?

when someone is committed to moral action and has moral goals, is determined to achieve them

what are the three kinds of moral exemplars?

brave, caring, just

what is the social cognitive domain theory?

• developed by judith smetana

• reasoning is divided into three domains:

• moral, social conventional and personal

what is the difference between moral and social conventional reasoning?

moral rules exist apart from social consensus

whihc parenting style has been linked to better moral reasoning?

authorative (responsive, autonomy granting, demanding)

what are the three kinds of parental discipline and which is the most effective for moral development?

• love withdrawal

• power assertion

• induction => most effective