Deck 12: C: Moral Understanding and Behaviour

Question 1

Name and briefly explain Kohlberg's three levels of moral reasoning making sure to identify and describe each of the stages under each level.

Answer 1

A good answer will include the following key points:
· Preconventional level-Moral reasoning is controlled almost solely by obedience to authority and by rewards and punishment.
° Stage 1-Obedience orientation: a person in this stage does what people in authority say to avoid being punished
° Stage 2-Instrumental orientation: a person in this stage looks out for his/her own needs and acts morally in order to receive rewards
· Conventional level-Moral decision-making is based on social norm; what is expected by others.
° Stage 3-Interpersonal norms: a person in this stage acts according to others' expectations to win the approval of others
° Stage 4-Social systems morality: a person in this stage believes that laws exist to maintain order within society and to promote the good of all people
· Preconventional level-Moral decisions are based on personal, moral principles
° Stage 5-Social contract orientation: a person in this stage believes in a social contract, a common set of laws and expectations that benefit all people and that can be changed when they no longer promote the welfare of individuals
° Stage 6-Universal ethical principles: a person in this stage believes in abstract principles like justice, compassion, and equality and acts in accordance with those principles even when they conflict with society's expectations

Question 2

It has been proposed that self-control develops in three phases between one and three years of age. What are the three phases?

Answer 2

A good answer will include the following key points:
·At one year of age, infants become aware that people impose demands on them and they must react accordingly.
·At two years of age, toddlers have internalized some of the controls imposed by others and are capable of some self-control in their parents' absence.
·At three years of age, children become capable of self-regulation.

Question 3

Explain what Piaget meant by moral realism, immanent justice, and moral relativism.

Answer 3

A good answer will include the following key points:
· Moral realism is a stage that children are in from about five to seven years of age. During this stage they believe that rules are created by wise adults, and therefore, must be followed and cannot be changed.
· Immanent justice is a characteristic of thought during the moral realism stage. It is a belief that breaking a rule always leads to punishment.
· Moral relativism is a stage that children reach at about eight years of age. This stage is characterized by an understanding that rules are created by people to help them get along.

Question 4

Describe three skills that underlie prosocial behaviour.

Question 5

Lyndon is an eight-year-old boy who wants to have everything now! He seems unable to wait for anything. For example, although his parents have encouraged him to save a small portion of his weekly allowance, Lyndon invariably spends all of it, usually on the day that he receives it. How might his parents encourage Lyndon to exercise self-control and delay gratification?

Question 6

Briefly explain the relationship between failure in school and aggression.

Question 7

Your friend Enrique told you that he would like his young son Joe to grow up to be a nice, helpful person. What can you tell Enrique about parental behaviours that are related to socializing prosocial behaviour?

Question 8

Your friends are the parents of an aggressive six-year-old son. When their son behaves aggressively, they spank him to punish him for his behaviour. They have not seen any improvement in his behaviour and they have asked you for advice. What can you tell them about parental behaviour that is related to aggression in children?

Question 9

Name and briefly explain Kohlberg's three levels of moral reasoning.

Question 10

Briefly describe the following types of aggression: instrumental, hostile, reactive, and relational.

Question 11

Explain and give an example of a "white lie" that might be told by a Chinese child compared to a North American child.

Question 12

Your friend is an elementary school teacher who has noticed that there are a few children in his class who are very aggressive and, consequently, have been rejected by the other children in the class. Your friend would like to train these aggressive children to behave more appropriately and has come to you for advice. What elements should be included in the training program?