Psychology Stages of Moral Development

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Psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg is widely known for his proposed stages of moral development; he argued that the development of moral reasoning “is a continual process that occurs throughout the lifespan.” (Cherry). Moreover, Kohlberg’s stages of moral development involve three levels, namely: the preconventional moral reasoning, conventional moral reasoning and postconventional moral reasoning. Each of these levels consists of two stages. Furthermore, we will examine Kohlberg’s stages of moral development by creating a character named Ciara. Ciara is a mischievous, temperamental and aggressive 11-year old who studies at a christian school. Throughout this essay we will see how Ciara’s moral reasoning will evolve. To begin with, we will explain the first level of moral development, which is preconventional moral reasoning. Children’s moral reasoning usually occurs at this level, particularly children who are “10-13 years of age...” (“Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development.”). At this level, moral values are influenced by external forces such as the authority; behavior of children depends by their judgments of their actions and direct consequences. “Behaviors that results in punishment are viewed as bad, those that lead to rewards as good.” (Berk 320). Children differentiate right and wrong in terms of what their authority (such as their parents) tell them what is right and wrong by either giving them rewards or punishments because of their behavior. Stage One. Ciara’s advisor notices that she always teases and calls her African - American classmate the ugliest girl in school; as a result, she was sent to her Principal’s office and was faced a serious disciplinary action. If Ciara didn’t tease her classmate (obeyed her schoo... ... middle of paper ... ... Law." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia.com. Web. 29 Sept. 2011. . Berk, Laura E. Exploring Lifespan Development. Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon, 2008. Print. Cherry, Kendra. "Moral Development - Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development. "Psychology – Complete Guide to Psychology for Students, Educators & Enthusiasts. About.com. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. "Freedom of Speech." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia.com. Web. 29 Sept. 2011. . “Kohlberg’s Moral Stages.” Haverford.edu. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. “Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development.” Pegasus.cc.ucf.edu. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. .

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