1. Developmental Psychology
Cognitive & Moral Development

2. Cognitive Development
Stage theory of cognitive development
Each stage marks a new “level” of thinking
Assimilation
Accommodation

3. Sensorimotor Period Birth- 2 yrs Reflexes to Symbolic Thought
Object Permanence – when child recognizes objects continue to exist when no longer visible

4. Preoperational Period
Improved use of symbolic thought
Unable to solve conservation problem
Conservation – aware physical properties remain constant, despite shape

5. Preoperational Period

6. Preoperational Period
Problems...
Centration – focus on one aspect of problem
Irreversibility – can’t mentally reverse action
Egocentrism – unable to take another perspective

7. Theory of Mind
Ideas & knowledge about how other people’s minds work

8. Concrete Operational Period
Perform operations on tangible objects
Ability to “mentally undo” a task (reversibility)
Ability to concentrate on more than one aspect of a task (decentration)

9. Formal Operational Period
Think abstractly
Think of hypothetical problems
Systematic thought

10. Age Stage Description 0-2 Sensorimotor Object Permanence 2-6
Preoperational
They lack the concept of conversation and the abilities of centration, irreversibility, and have egocentric thought
7-11
Concrete operations
Develop centration and reversibility
11+
Formal operations
Children begin to reason abstractly

11. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Higher cognitive abilities allows for “deeper moral processing”

12. Moral Dilemma Two morals or two “rights” pitted against one another
Interested in reasoning, not behavior

13. Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Level 1: Preconventional Morality
Stage 1:
Punishment & Obedience Orientation
The child decides what is wrong on the basis of what is punished. Obedience is valued for its own sake, but the child obeys because the adults have superior power.
Stage 2:
Instrumental Hedonism Orientation
The child follows rules when it is her immediate interest. What is good is what brings pleasant results.

14. Level 2: Conventional Morality
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Level 2: Conventional Morality
Stage 3:
Good Boy/Good Girl Orientation
Moral actions are those that live up to the expectation of the family or other significant group. “Being good” becomes important for its own sake.
Stage 4:
Law and Order Orientation
Moral actions are those so defined by larger social groups or the society as a whole. One should fulfill duties one has agreed to and uphold laws except in extreme cases.

15. Level 3: Postconventional Morality
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Level 3: Postconventional Morality
Stage 5:
Social Contract Orientation
Acting to achieve the “greatest good for the greatest number.” The teenager or adult is aware that most values are relative and laws are changeable, although rules should be upheld to preserve social order.
Stage 6:
Principled Conscious Orientation
The adult develops and follows self-chosen ethical principles in determining what is right. These ethical principles are part of an articulated integrated, carefully thought-out and consistently followed system of values and principles.

16. Developmental Course Childhood: Level 1 Adolescents : Level 2
Adult: Level 2 (Level 3?!)

17. Evaluating Kohlberg Morality is cognitive?
Bias (Culture & Gender-Carol Gilligan)
Overlap in people’s stages
Attitude vs. Action