Question

1.Discuss one specific theorist and debate their theory of development: Kohlberg.

2.Prenatal Influences on Healthy Development: Discuss the family adaptation to the newborn child.

3.The Infant & Early Childhood: Discuss the physical development in early childhood.

Answer 1

Question 1

Kohlberg's theory of MORAL Development

Moral development, as described by Kohlberg in 1968, is based on cognitive developmental theory and consists of three main levels, each of which has two stages:

PRECONVENTIONAL LEVEL: the PRECONVENTIONAL level of moral development parallels the preoperational level of cognitive development and intuitive thought. Culturally oriented to the labels of good/ bad and right/wrong, children integrate these in terms of the physical or pleasurable consequences of their actions.

CONVENTIONAL LEVEL: Here children are concerned with confirmity and loyalty. They value the maintenance of family, group or national expectations regardless of consequences

POSTCONVENTIONAL, AUTONOMOUS or PRINCIPLED LEVEL: Here the individual has reached the cognitive stage of formal operations. Correct behaviour tends to be defined in terms of general individual rights and standards that have been examined and agreed on by the entire society.

The most advanced level of moral development is one in which self-chosen ethical principles guide decisions of conscience.