Kohlberg's stages of moral development in AP Psychology

Definition

Kohlberg's stages of moral development is a theory that describes how individuals develop their understanding of right and wrong, progressing through six distinct stages. These stages are based on the reasoning behind an individual's moral judgments.

Theoretical Perspectives

Kohlberg's stages of moral development arise from the cognitive-developmental perspective, focusing on how people's moral reasoning matures as they progress through life.

Study And Research Findings

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory was influenced by Jean Piaget's work and developed through longitudinal studies of boys where he presented them with moral dilemmas. His research suggested that moral development progresses through a series of six distinct stages.

Related terms

Preconventional morality: This term refers to the first two stages in Kohlberg's theory, where individuals make decisions based on avoiding punishment or gaining rewards.

Conventional morality: This term refers to the middle two stages in Kohlberg's theory, where individuals conform to societal norms and values.

Postconventional morality: This term refers to the last two stages in Kohlberg's theory, where individuals base their moral decisions on universal ethical principles and personal values.