The relationship of moral reasoning to conduct problems and intelligence (original) (raw)
The purpose of this study was to determine the way Kohlberg 1 s stages of moral reasoning is related to conduct problems and intelligence. According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, children functioning at the preconventional level of moral reasoning (stages 1 and 2) have an orientation based on their self interest and the consequences of their actions. Their Yiewpoint is both egoistic and hedonistic. On the other hand, children reasoning at the conventional level (stages 3 and 4) realize that group interests, rules, and expectations are more important than the instrumental desires of the individual. They are oriented to please and help others, and to maintain the social order. It follows that children at the conventional level should be more inclined to exhibit adaptive classroom behaviors than those children at the preconventional level since their more advanced reasoning is likely to be based on the accepted standards and rules set forth by the school. One would also expect more intelligent children to be advanced morally, since both intelligence and moral reasoning involve similar cognitive processes.
Loading Preview
Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.