Module 8
Module 8
Module 8
Highlights:
➢ KOHLBERG’S STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT
Individuals, when confronted by situations where they need to make moral decisions,
exercise their own ability to use moral reasoning. Kohlberg’s Theory is a comprehensive stage theory
of moral development. Cognitive in nature, this theory focuses on the thinking process that occurs when
one decides whether a behavior is right or wrong. Kohlberg believed that children form ways of thinking
through their experiences which includes understanding of moral concepts such as justice, rights,
equality, and human welfare. He believed that one’s cognitive development influenced the development
of one’s moral reasoning. Thus, the theoretical emphasis is on how one decides to respond to a normal
dilemma, not one decides or what one actually does.
The framework of Kohlberg’s theory consists of six stages arranged sequentially in successive tiers
of complexity. He organized his six stages into three general levels of moral development.
Level 1: Pre-conventional level - at this level morality is externally controlled. Rules imposed by
authority figures are conformed to in order to avoid punishment or receive rewards. This perspective
involves the idea that what is right is what one can get away with or what personality is satisfying.
It has two stages:
1) Punishment/Obedience - behavior is determined by consequences. Individual will obey in
order to avoid punishment,
2) Mutual benefit/Instrumental purpose - Behavior is determined by consequences and
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EMC-SLE: THE CHILD & ADOLESCENT LEARNERS & LEARNING PRINCIPLES
B. ANALYSIS/APPLICATION
You have discovered that your brother will undergo initiation in the fraternity next week. Your
parents are against the joining of your brother in the said frat for the common knowledge that a
number who were subjected to hazing activity died and some became invalid. Your brother warned
you not to tell your parents or else he will not give you his promised new gadget which you badly
need in school.
2. Why would you choose to do that? What were the things you considered in deciding what
to do?
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3. Identify the stage of moral development in the following statement.
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EMC-SLE: THE CHILD & ADOLESCENT LEARNERS & LEARNING PRINCIPLES