Information Regarding Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

A pioneer in child psychology, American researcher Lawrence Kohlberg delved into children's moral reasoning, expanding the foundations of scientist Jean Piaget by naming six detailed stages of moral development.

Influence of Piaget

• Kohlberg built on theories of Swiss-born Piaget, who believed children develop intellectually in stages from birth through adulthood, with a shift in moral thinking near age 11.

  By focusing on morality rather than cognitive development, Kohlberg forged new paths in his field.

Heinz Dilemma

• Kohlberg tested children's moral thinking by posing the Heinz Dilemma—should a man who could not afford a druggist's medicine steal a cancer drug to save his dying wife? Analyzing the children's responses, Kohlberg developed his six stages of moral development.

  His 1958 doctoral dissertation study, surveying 72 boys of various ages from Chicago, expanded in scope in later tests to substantiate his initial theory.

Preconventional Morality

• Stage 1: Obey or Be Punished
  Children obey external authority figures to avoid punishment.

  Stage 2: Choose Actions Wisely or Be Punished
  Individuals decide how to act but still avoid negative consequences.

Conventional Morality

• Stage 3: Consider Motives
  Good behavior includes feelings of concern for others.

  Stage 4: See the Bigger Picture
  Individuals respect rules of society to maintain order.

Postconventional Morality

• Stage 5: Protect Individual Rights
  Morality and rights are more valuable than some laws.

  Stage 6: Achieve Universal Justice
  A higher ideal of justice may require civil disobedience.