Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is based on studies he conducted using both cross- sectional and longitudinal research methods. Cross-sectional studies - form a class of research methods that involves observation of all of a population, or a representative subset, at one specific point in time. Longitudinal studies – a type of research method used to discover relationships between variables that are not related to various background variables. A moral dilemma is a social problem which has two or more solutions, each of which is “wrong” in some way. At various times in our lives our morals are challenged and we are confronted with a moral dilemma. In these situations we have to decide which can make us feel psychologically uncomfortable. The term moral refers to the distinction between right and wrong with accordance within a particular society or culture. The Kohlberg’s theory involves three levels and two stages in each level. For example the first level is Preconventional consisting of two stages Obedience and punishment orientation and Naively egotistical orientation, each level consists of two stages.

Preconventional development (0-9 years of age) At the Preconventional level children don’t know what is right or wrong, they follow rules because people of authority tell them too. They don’t believe in the rules that they are told to follow, what is right is what you can get away with or is personally satisfying. Stage 1 : obedience and punishment orientation Children follow rules to avoid being punished, their behaviour revolves around fear of being punished rather than actual belief that the behaviour is right or wrong. For children at this stage, whether behaviour is right or wrong, depends on whether the behaviour goes unpunished. The more severe the punishment the worse the behaviour. Stage 2: naively egotistical orientation Children at this stage of moral development believe that behaviour that gets followed by a reward is “good behaviour”. They have little concern for others views but will often do the right thing if it pleases others, rather than because they think it is morally right. They might justify something “wrong” because they will get rewarded for it later.

Conventional level(9-15 years) People at the conventional level are considerate of others of the thoughts and feelings of other people and seek to obey rules set by others. Their motivation to obey these rules is not about getting punished or getting a reward, it is about gaining acceptance from others. This is because the views of others are recognised and given serious consideration. In level 2 there are stages 3 and 4. In stage 3, Good interpersonal relationships people believe that people should live up to the expectations of the family and the community and behave in good ways. Good behaviour means having good motives and interpersonal feelings e.g. love and concern for others. In stage 4, Maintaining the social order the respondent becomes more broadly concerned with society as a whole. Now the respondent is focused on obeying the law, respecting authority and performing ones duty so that the social order is maintained, they think from a full fledged member-of-society perspective.

Postconventional level ( 16+ years ) The Postconventional level is the last level in Kohlberg's theory, at this level of moral development an individual’s decision to do what is morally right is guided by their conscience. At times their conscience may conflict with society’s laws. Stage 5: Legalistic-social-contract orientation Individuals at this stage of moral development choose moral principles to guide their behaviour, and are careful to not interfere with the rights of others. At this stage the individual realises that rules and laws are not set in concrete and believe it can be altered for the greater good. Stage 6: Universal-ethical orientation Individuals at this stage would have highly individualistic moral beliefs. They will not always conform to what society believes as acceptable and will often follow their own conscience, even if it means going against family, friends or the laws of society.

There were many criticisms concerning Kohlberg's theory, these include; -Studies were based mainly on western society therefore not reflecting morals of different culture. - Studies were performed mainly on males and wouldn't reflect how a female would judge the situation. -What the participants said they would do wasn’t actually what they would do if placed in the situation at hand. - Children may not have understood the situation and not been able to interpret their thoughts. - Some people may not have experienced the situation or something similar to properly asses the situation. By Sid, Kyle, Dylan & Regine