Question 1

In Kohlberg's preconventional level of moral development, responses to moral dilemmas are based on

Accepted Answer

In Kohlberg's preconventional level, moral reasoning is based on the desire to gain rewards and avoid punishments. The individual is motivated by self-interest and does not consider the needs or interests of others. This level is typically seen in young children and is based on the concept of obedience and punishment. The individual follows rules to avoid punishment and seeks rewards for good behavior.

Question 2

At the postconventional level of Kohlberg's theory, how is moral conflict resolved?

Accepted Answer

At the postconventional level of Kohlberg's theory, moral conflict is resolved by applying broad ethical principles. This level involves the development of a personal moral code based on abstract reasoning and universal ethical principles, rather than simply relying on obedience to authority or societal norms. Thus, individuals at this level consider the ethical implications and consequences of their actions, rather than just trying to conform, avoid punishment, or obtain rewards.

Question 3

Which aspect of Kohlberg's theory of moral development has received the most consistent support?

Accepted Answer

Kohlberg's theory suggests that moral development occurs in a series of stages and that individuals progress through these stages in a fixed order without regressing. This aspect of his theory has received consistent support, indicating that the sequence of moral development is relatively stable across different individuals.

Question 4

When asked why she doesn't hit her sister, Hillary replies, "So my mom won't make me sit in the time-out chair." Which of Kohlberg's stages of moral development does her answer exemplify?

Accepted Answer

Hillary's response exemplifies the obedience and punishment orientation stage of Kohlberg's moral development theory, where the individual's focus is on avoiding punishment from authorities. She refrains from hitting her sister, not because it is inherently wrong, but because she does not want to face the consequences of sitting in the time-out chair.

Question 5

One piece of evidence that calls into question Gilligan's contention that men and women have different orientations to morality is that

Accepted Answer

A review of research on moral reasoning found little support for the notion that men and women differ in their levels of moral judgments. This evidence contradicts Gilligan's contention that men and women have different orientations to morality.

Question 6

Your best friend has just been arrested for demonstrating at a national forest that has recently been leased to a timber company that was to begin cutting down trees. Your friend feels strongly that we must protect the environment and that the policy of deforestation without replanting is harmful for all inhabitants of the earth. What level of Kohlberg's theory is your friend most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Postconventional morality involves an individual having a personal moral code that may conflict with societal laws and norms. Your friend's actions show a commitment to their personal moral code and a belief in preserving the environment. The fact that they are willing to take part in a protest and face legal consequences demonstrates a higher level of moral reasoning beyond just following societal rules (conventional morality) or avoiding punishment (preconventional morality).

Question 7

A limitation of Kohlberg's theory is that the studies upon which his theory on moral development was built only included

Accepted Answer

Kohlberg's original studies on moral development only included boys, which limits the generalizability of his theory to other populations, such as girls and individuals from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Question 8

When asked why he uses such good manners, Gregory says, "Because I want my parents to be proud of me." Gregory is probably in which of Kohlberg's stages of moral development?

Accepted Answer

Gregory's desire to please his parents suggests that he is motivated by a desire to be seen as a good person by those around him. This is consistent with Kohlberg's stage of good boy morality, which is focused on gaining approval and avoiding disapproval from significant others.

Question 9

During which level of Kohlberg's theory on moral development does a child identify with his parents and conform to what they regard as right or wrong?

Accepted Answer

Conventional morality is the level where an individual begins to conform to societal norms and rules. At this stage, individuals tend to seek approval and acceptance from authority figures such as parents, teachers, or peer groups. They follow the rules and obey authority to maintain social order and avoid punishment or disapproval. Therefore, it is the stage where a child identifies with his parents and conforms to their rules regarding what is right or wrong.

Question 10

In a study of moral development of Indian and U.S. schoolchildren, researchers found that Indian children

Accepted Answer

Research comparing moral development across cultures has shown that Indian children often display more interpersonal consideration than U.S. schoolchildren, reflecting the emphasis on community and relationships in many Indian cultural contexts.

Question 11

David believes you should never drive above the speed limit, even in an emergency. He feels that the speed limit is the law and it must be obeyed. David is most likely in which of Kohlberg's stages of moral development?

Accepted Answer

David's belief aligns with Kohlberg's stage of Authority and morality that maintains the social order, where individuals believe in obeying rules and laws strictly to maintain social order and ensure community welfare.

Question 12

Which of the following moral understandings have NOT been found among preschoolers?

Accepted Answer

Awareness of human rights is not typically found among preschoolers, as it requires a more complex understanding of society and cultural values. The other options, ability to justify their own actions, awareness of rules, and awareness of when others violate rules, have been observed among preschoolers.

Question 13

study is probably related to

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is related to the cultural emphasis in Hinduism on social duties and responsibilities, which is a foundational aspect of society in India. This focus on dharma, or duty, is a key aspect of Hindu philosophy and influences social behavior and attitudes, making it a likely subject of study.

Question 14

Gilligan's criticism of Kohlberg's theory is that many women emphasize maintaining the goodwill and approval of others, which places them at which stage of Kohlberg's theory of moral development?

Accepted Answer

Gilligan argued that many women focus on maintaining positive relationships and preserving social harmony rather than strict adherence to rules and principles. This aligns with Kohlberg's stage of "Good boy morality," where an individual's primary concern is being seen as a good person and gaining the approval of others.

Question 15

Longitudinal research suggests that the dominant pattern of moral reasoning in most adults appears to be

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal research suggests that the dominant pattern of moral reasoning in most adults appears to be conventional morality, which is characterized by a focus on maintaining social order and following rules and norms set forth by authority figures. This is in contrast to preconventional morality, which is focused on self-interest and avoiding punishment, and postconventional morality, which involves a recognition and willingness to question societal norms and principles in order to uphold individual ethical standards. Amorality would refer to a lack of moral reasoning altogether.

Question 16

An internalized ethical code characterizes which of Kohlberg's levels?

Accepted Answer

Postconventional morality is characterized by an internalized ethical code that is based on abstract principles of justice and human rights. At this level, individuals are able to move beyond the conventional norms of society and think for themselves about what is right and wrong. They are guided by moral principles that transcend the laws and customs of their culture, and they are motivated by a sense of moral duty and responsibility to society as a whole.

Question 17

What types of activities facilitated more mature moral judgments according to Kohlberg?

Accepted Answer

Social activities that involve role-taking facilitate more mature moral judgments according to Kohlberg because they allow individuals to consider the perspectives of others and understand the impact of their actions on others.

Question 18

Which of the following parental behaviors has been associated with more mature moral judgments?

Accepted Answer

Discussions about the feelings of others have been associated with more mature moral judgments in children. This is because it teaches children to empathize with others, consider others' perspectives, and take responsibility for their actions. Physical punishment and authoritarian climate can lead to fear-based obedience rather than true moral reasoning, while discussions of political issues may not necessarily focus on moral considerations.

Question 19

According to Gilligan, men rely on a(n) __________ to solve moral problems, whereas women are more likely to focus on a(n) __________.

Accepted Answer

Gilligan proposed that men tend to use an individual rights orientation when solving moral problems, focusing on justice and rules, while women are more likely to use a caring orientation, focusing on relationships and the needs of others.

Question 20

Kohlberg's stages are based on

Accepted Answer

Kohlberg's stages of moral development are based on the level of moral reasoning that children use to make decisions about right and wrong. This reasoning involves both their decision to prioritize obedience or the welfare of others in response to moral dilemmas, and the reasoning they provide for their decision.

Quiz 14: Morality, Altruism, and Aggression