Cognitive Explanations

• Kohlberg (1969) questioned a sample on their solutions and reasonings behind their solutions to a series of moral dilemmas. Kohlberg used their answers to develop the 'stage theory of moral development' - he subsequently sorted the participants into the stages he created.
• Kohlberg's stage theory of moral development has 3 levels and 6 stages:
• • Level 1 - pre-conventional morality (stages 1 and 2); morality is based on the consequences of actions i.e punishment and reward.
• • Level 2 - 'conventional morality' (stages 3 and 4); obedience for social approval and maintaining social order.
• Level 3 - 'post conventional morality' (stages 5 and 6); rules are challenged if they infringe on the rights of others and individuals have a personal set of ethical principles.
• • Stage 1 - 'punishment orientation'; rules are obeyed to avoid punishment
  • Stage 2 - 'instrumental orientation'; rules are obeyed for personal gain
• • Stage 3 - 'Good boy/girl orientation'; rules are obeyed for approval.
  • Stage 4 - 'Maintenance of the Social Order'; rules are obeyed to maintain social order.
• • Stage 5 - 'morality of contract and individual rights'; rules are challenged if they infringe on the rights of other
  • Stage 6 - 'morality of conscience'; Individuals have a personal set of ethical principles