Kohlberg

• Sample


  1. 75 American boys used, between ages 10-16 at start, 22-28 at end

  2. Additional samples from other countries (Great Britain, Canada, Taiwan, Mexico and Turkey) for cross-cultural comparison
• Methodology


  1. Longitudinal study following 75 American boys for 12 years

  2. Kohlberg used interviews to assess moral reasoning

  3. Interviews produced qualitative data

  4. Kohlberg created 9 hypothetical moral dilemmas

  5. Each participant discussed 3 dilemmas, prompted by open-ended questions

  6. Boys re-interviewed every 3 years
• The boys' answers were analysed and common themes were identified so that the stage theory could be constructed
• Preconventional level


  • Stage 1: Punishment and obedience orientation
  • Stage 2: Instrumental purpose orientation
• Conventional level


  • Stage 3: Interpersonal cooperation
  • Stage 4: Social order maintaining orientation
• Post conventional level


  • Stage 5: Social contract orientation
  • Stage 6: Universal ethical principles orientation
• Kohlberg found that younger children thought at the pre-conventional level and as they got older their reasons for moral decision became less focused on themselves and more focused on doing well because relations with others are viewed as important
• The results in Mexico and Taiwan were the same except that development was a little slower