PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 11: COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Jean Piaget

He considers an individual’s active role essential to human development; Believes that an individual grows through a dynamic process in which the body’s internal systems interact with the environment

Cognitive Development Theory

This theory tries to explain how a child understands the world

Equlibrium

It marks the significant development of an individual; state of balance

• Maturation

• Experience

• Transfer of attitudes, info, or customs

other factors involved in development process

education

a key element in developing one’s cognitive skills

sensorimotor stage (0-2)

the bodily senses stage

egocentric

The child’s way of thinking is toward himself/herself

Pre-operational stage (2-7)

The child continues to develop using mental images and begins to use symbols to represent what he/she knows. However, perceptions are limited and understanding is based on concrete objects.

Concrete-operational stage (8-11)

The child begins to be more logical and able to perform simple operations and can understand reversibility.

Formal Operational Stage (11-15)

At this point, he/she is no longer just dependent on concrete perceptual experiences in the present. In dealing with situations, the past or the future can be a reference to know what to do.
He/she is able to analyze problems, and consider different ways of solving it in a systematic way

LAWRENCE KOHLBERG’ MORAL DEVELOPMENT THEORY

lawrence kohlberg recognized the role of cognitive ability in developing moral reasoning in children

Morality

Ability to distinguish right from wrong and to behave accordingly

Pre-conventional Level

There is a recognition of authority who gives punishment or reward

1. Punishment/Obedience

2. Mutual Benefit “Reward Orientation”

Stages in preconventional

Conventional Level

there is understanding that there are rulers to follow to be accepted and to maintain order

• Social Approval “Good Boy-Good Girl”

• Law and order

Stages under conventional

Post Conventional Level

There is flexibility in accepting rules. An individual may not necessarily accept or follow given rules as he/she develops his/her own personal code of ethics

• Social Contract

• Universal Ethical Principle

Stages under Post Conventional

Punishment/Obedience

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on what action is punished. The child obeys to avoid punishment

Mutual Benefit “Reward Orientation”

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on what is rewarded

Social Approval “Good Boy/Girl Orientation”

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on what others approve or
disapprove of

Law and Order

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on the rules that should be
followed

Social Contract

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on laws;
however, one recognizes that they can change. An individual acts based on
what will be good for the majority

Universal Ethical Principle

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on universal principles. One looks into one’s conscience, pursues justice and seeks equality at all cost.