Question

4 (a) According to Kohlberg’s model of cognitive moral development (CMD), people pass through 6 cognitive moral development stages. List and describe the 6 stages. (3 marks – 150 words) (b) As per other academic scholars and authors, what are the 4 limitations that they found with this CMD model? (Note: You have to quote the academic scholars’/ Author’s name in your answers) (4 marks – 150 words)

Answer 1

(a)

Kohlberg identified three levels of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.Each level comprises of two stages.

Level -1) Pre- Conventional:

Stage 1:Avoiding Punishment

Stage 1 focuses on the child’s desire to obey rules and avoid being punished.The worse the punishment for the act is, the more 'bad' the act is perceived to be.

Stage 2: Aiming at Reward ( Self Interest )

Stage 2 expresses the “what’s in it for me?” .Stage two reasoning shows a limited interest in the needs of others, but only to a point where it might further one's own interests, such as you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours. It is self oriented asking about the benefits.

Level-2)Conventional:

Stage 3:Good Attitude ( Obedient )

Stage 3 focuses on following social norms, interpersonal agreement and confirmity.It is based on good behavior and people being “nice” to others.They try to be a good boy or good girl.

Stage 4:Law and Order

In Stage 4, the child blindly accepts rules and convention because of their importance in maintaining a functioning society.It is based on behaviour driven by obeying authority and conforming to social norms.

Level-3)Post-Conventional:

Stage 5:Social Contract

In Stage 5, the world is viewed as holding different opinions, rights, and values. Such perspectives should be mutually respected as unique to each person or community.I disobey wrong rules and act consistently with my own principles.

Stage 6:Principle

In Stage 6, moral reasoning is based on abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles. Generally, the chosen principles are abstract rather than concrete and focus on ideas such as equality, dignity, or respect.

(b)

i) Focuses too much on moral reasoning and not enough on actual behaviour.

ii) It lacks scientific measures.

ii)Cultural Variations.

a) Post Conventional - Urban Areas

b) Pre Conventional - Rural Areas

iii) It mostly involves boys. Some studies found that in case of girls, there is differences regarding the theory.