Question

Kohlberg proposed a stage theory of:

• A. Social Development
• B. Psycho-social Development
• C. Cognitive Development
• D. Moral Development

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Moral Development

American psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg proposed a stage theory of moral development: 

• Theory

  Kohlberg's theory is a cognitive theory that describes how people think when deciding if a behavior is right or wrong. 

• Stages

  Kohlberg's theory consists of six stages that are arranged in three levels of increasing complexity: 

  • Preconventional level: Stages 1 and 2, where morality is externally controlled. People conform to rules to avoid punishment or receive rewards. 

  • Conventional level: Stages 3 and 4, where people conform to social rules and norms. They focus on relationships with others and social systems. 

  • Postconventional or principled level: Stages 5 and 6, where people move beyond their own society's perspective. They define morality in terms of abstract principles and values that apply to all situations and societies. 

• Development

  Kohlberg's theory proposes that people progress through the stages, showing a deeper understanding of moral questions at each stage. 

• Criticisms

  Some critics argue that Kohlberg's theory may describe the moral development of males better than females. Others argue that the stage model is more appropriate for Western samples.