1. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Preconventional Level: Stage 1
Based on fear of punishment
Actions judged by their consequences (not by intentions)

2. Preconventional Level: Stage 2
Based on fair exchange (“You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”)
Focused on satisfying personal needs

3. Conventional Level: Stage 3
Focused on maintaining affection and approval of family and friends
Intentions (rather than consequences) are considered in judging actions

4. Conventional Level: Stage 4
Based on an understanding of laws and duty
Laws need to be obeyed for the good of the social order (rigid)

5. Postconventional Level: Stages 5 and 6
Based on abstract principles that are universally valid (e.g., equality, respect for others, compassion)
May conflict with existing laws

6. According to Kohlberg:
Stages are invariant (i.e., don’t skip stages)
Moral development involves discontinuous/qualitative change
Less advanced levels of moral reasoning are replaced by more advanced levels

7. Moral development occurs as the result of cognitive development
Increases in perspective-taking (i.e., less egocentrism)

8. Evaluation of Kohlberg’s Theory: Stages seem to be invariant
Moral development may not be discontinuous
Individuals who are capable of reasoning at more advanced levels may also engage in reasoning at less advanced levels

9. Moral development is related to cognitive development, but cognitive development is not the only factor influencing moral development

10. Limitations/Criticisms of Kohlberg’s Theory
Focuses too much on moral reasoning and not enough on actual behavior
Level of moral reasoning and moral behavior are correlated, but the correlation is not that strong
People often reason at a lower level about real-life moral dilemmas than hypothetical dilemmas

11. Neglects the role of culture
Kohlberg’s scoring system is biased toward individual rights
Some cultures place greater value on the good of the community than on individual rights—does not mean they’re less morally advanced

12. Underestimates the influence of parents on moral development
Moral development is positively correlated with inductive discipline, which includes
Use of reasoning
Focusing children’s attention on the consequences of their actions for others

13. Gender and Moral Reasoning
Evidence indicates that females don’t score lower than males using Kohlberg’s system
During adolescence and adulthood, females’ moral reasoning is more focused on caring for other people than is males’ moral reasoning