Summary

A. Lawrence Kohlbergs Cognitive Theory Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg is best known for his theory a stages of Moral Development Cognitive referring to thinking or any mental operation that has to do with with how we process information, make plans, or require knowledge. Cognitive Theory a learning theory of psychology that attempts to explain human behavior by understanding the thought processes. Meaning: It talks about the theory which concerns to the mental activities or in other words; it is the thinking with sense it could also be the learning through the application of the different senses. Moral dealing with capable of distinguish between right or wrong. Meaning: It refers to ones awareness or ability to weight thing carefully. It is to capacity to distinguish what is right from what is wrong. Development is the act or process of developing. Moral Development the process through which children develop proper attitudes and behaviors towards other people in society, based on social and cultural norms, rules, and laws. Meaning: Moral Development refers to the changes or development taking place in an individual in terms of his attitudes, behaviors, the way he act and others.

Lawrence Kohlbergs Stages of Moral Development

Level 1: Preconventional Morality
Morality is based on an agreement among individuals to conform to norms that appears necessary to maintain the social order and the rights of others. Preconventional Morality the most primitive Kohlberg stage of moral development, in which child interprets behavior entirely in terms of personal gain and loss

Stage 1: Punishment-Obedience Orientation

The concern is for self how can I avoid punishment? Right or good behavior is associated with avoiding punishment.

Meaning: Obeying the rules is important because it means avoiding punishment.

Stage 2: Instrumental Orientation

Level 2: Conventional Morality Conventional - pertaining to convention, as in following generally accepted principles, methods, and Behavior Conventional Morality this is the second level of moral reasoning, characterized by an awareness and focus on societal laws, norms, and rules.

Stage 3: Good-boy Morality

The childs good behavior is designed to maintain approval and good with others. One earns approval by being NICE. Meaning: The concern is What will people think of me? And the desire is for group approval. Right action is one that would please or impress others.

Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation

The person blindly accepts social conventions and rules; they should be maintained to avoid censure. Meaning: People accept social regulations without questioning to the maintenance of law and order