Kohlbergs Theory Essay

PSYCHOLOGY 112Table of contents* Introduction* explanation of Kohlbergs conjecture* Advantage in Kohlbergs Theory* Disadvantage in Kohlbergs Theory* Opinion* RecommendationIntroductionLawrence Kohlbergs demos of object littleon development constitute an adaptation of a psychological surmise originally conceived by the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. The guess holds that object lesson reasoning, the basis for ethical behavior, has sextette identifiable developmental stages, each much adequate at responding to object lesson dilemmas than its predecessor. Kohlberg determined that the process of moral development was principally concerned with justice, and that it continued through tabu the individuals lifetime, a notion that spawned colloquy on the philosophical implications of such research. For his studies, Kohlberg relied on stories such as the Heinz dilemma, and was interested in how individuals would justify their military actions if placed in similar moral dilemmas.H e then analyzed the form of moral reasoning displayed, instead than its conclusion, and classified it as belonging to unrivaled of six distinct stages Kohlbergs six stages fag end be more generally grouped into three aims of two stages each pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional. Following Piagets constructivist requirements for a stage pretence, as described in his possibleness of cognitive development, it is extremely rare to regress in stagesto lose the use of higher stage abilities. Stages cannot be skipped each provides a new and necessary perspective, more comprehensive and differentiated than its predecessors but integrated with them. Kohlbergs TheoryThe stage of clean-living Development/Moral Reasoning1. Pre-conventional level2. conventional level3. Post-conventional level..Psychologist, studied the reasoning ability & recognizing where a pip-squeak is at according to stages can help identify how child may feel some distemper ,moral reasoning & cogn itive stages of development.LEVEL STAGE/YEARS CHARACTERISTICS Pre conventional Stage 1(2 to 3 y/o)Stage 2(4 to 7 y/o) Obedience and punishment orientation(How can I avoid punishment?) A child describe him the right thing because he was told to do so to avoid punishment.Self-interest orientation(Paying for a benefit)Child caries out actions to satisfy his own needs rather than the societys.The child does something for another if he gets something in return. Conventional Stage 3(7/10 y/o)Stage 4(10/12 y/o) Interpersonal accord and conformity(The equitable boy/good girl attitude)A child follows rules because of a need to be good person in own eye & in the eyes of the othersAuthority and social-order maintaining orientation(Law and order morality)A child follows rules of authority figures as well as parents to nurse the system working. Post conventional Stage 5(older than 12y/o)Stage 6(older than 12 y/o) Social contract orientation(Utilitarian Law qualification Perspective)A child f ollow standards of society for the good of peopleUniversal ethical principles(Principled conscience)A child follows internalized standards of conduct.Advantages of the Kohlbergs guessThe ability to empirically test the individual for where they are in their moral development, along with collide withering a basic structure for creating just communities applicable both within and outside student affairs. Moreover, Kohlbergs model offers insight as to why an individual may be seeking out justice establish on what stage they are in. 2. Kohlbergs theory essentially provides a roadmap for moral thinking that otherwise did not exist. 3. It inadvertently offers benchmarks for where one might be in their moral development based on their life situation. 4. Offering a structure for justcommunities. It was Kohlbergs hope that he would employ his theory to create communities that were collaborative, held each other accountable, and had philosophical and educational discussions to further both the individual and the group in their moral development (Kohlberg, 1971, 1972). It offers a venue for individuals to discuss a number of hypothetical or moral dilemmas while simultaneously furthering development through cognitive dissonance.Disadvantages in Kohlbergs theoryGender differences that touch on moral reasoning cultural differences in regards to the Western cultures versus the non-Western cultures the model being a hard stage model the focus of justice over care and finally the use of hypothetical decision devising over real life dilemmas in the assessments. 2. Gender differences in moral reasoning. Carol Gilligan (1982/1983) was strongly argue to Kohlbergs model mainly on the basis of gender. As stated, Kohlberg originally based his theory on a study of young male individuals excluding women. Gilligan (1982/1983) argued that Kohlbergs theory incorporated a gender influence directly into the theory as well as the assessment tools. Moreover, she argued Kohlberg ignored a womens moral orientation to a response of care. Some studies have shown that looking at responses to the Rests delimitate Issues Test (DIT) (Rest, 1986a) and Moral Judgment Interview (MJI) (Colby, et al, 1987), men tend to be more justice oriented and women more care oriented, and especially so when they take on the traditional gender roles (Rest, 1986b Walker, 1984).This is concerning since Kohlbergs theory is truly justice oriented. It may be more difficult to get an accurate answer virtually where a woman is in moral development in regards to Kohlbergs stage model than a male. 3. Cultural and Religious. Religion can play a major actor in an individuals personal and moral development. Both Rest (1986) and Dirks (1988) found that a number that religion was a factor in moral decision making. Rest (1986) found that those coming from a liberal perspective tended to cross off higher in moral development than others. Dirks (1988) found that those with an evangelical belief system are less likely to enter into the post conventional stage. In terms of cultural differences there is likely a difference in moral reasoning in Western cultures versus non Western cultures. The value systemsoften differ vastly and as such may not be able to fit in to one particular stage in Kohlbergs theory. Western cultures tend to be more individualistic (Miller & Bersoff, 1992). darn this problem may seem minute, the validity of a theory must be tested crossways gender and culture. In this regard, Kohlbergs theory is not as applicable to other cultures because it is based off a values system that is very much Americanized. Ironically, a theory that seeks to promote universality is not as universal as it should be.OpinionKohlbergs Theory covers the moral development stages of an individual and I think this theory is a huge help for a person, especially those who have children. Kohlbergs theory may serve as guide on how a parent would treat their childs behaviour. Parents would un derstand why their child is behaving in such manner and they can make disciplinary action or decision on how to correct or improve unpleasant behaviour. And guide them in growth their sense of morality. And make them an honest and morally mature person.By knowing this theory we can as well as examine ourselves. Reflect and think of situation we encountered in our life and how we reacted to it. By doing so, we will know what level of morality we fit in.I think morality depends on a persons propose of view. We can only say its wrong if its against the law but the morality result of the person really depends on what his conscience tell him.RecommendationLawrence Kohlberg theory of Moral Development gives a detailed explanation on how a child develops morally. This theory is remarkable because we now have an overview about morality and we now have guidance if we are on the right track or not. We can now assess our level of morality. And we can now choose what level we want to be.Rep ort byMr.Dennies Dela CruzMs.Iris Vi P.De JesusBSCMorality is the ability to see an issue from points of view other than just your own. Lawrence Kohlberg