This study investigated the joint impact of cognitive induction and type of model on adolescents' preferences for different stages of moral reasoning. A multiple-choice adaptation of the Kohlberg moral development interview was used at pretesting, at intervention/posttesting, and at delayed posttest. (Author/PN)

After some preliminary doubts about Kohlberg's method of assessing moral reasoning, six claims of his "stage-structural" theory are criticized: (1) that the stages constitute structural wholes; (2) their invariant sequence; (3) their cultural universality; (4) their logical necessity; (5) increasing cognitive adequacy; and (6) increasing…

Middle school students (N=25) with exceptional educational needs were matched with regular students and assessed for their level of moral reasoning using the Objective Assessment of Moral Development. Results indicate exceptional students select types of reasoning typical of younger children, and become less like their peers with age. (RC)

Presented is an analysis of the back-to-basics movement and four areas of pedagogical concern that are fundamental to both basic education and environmental education: environmental science, inquiry, cognitive development, and bioethical development. (WB)

Argues the main deficiency of the Lawrence Kohlberg theory is that it has never lived up to the claim of being a structural developmental theory. Explains that the theory has never shown specific problems at each stage. Ends with a discussion of a new stairway for Kohlbergian theory. (CAJ)

Comments on revision of Piagetian theory of reciprocity in forgiveness by Enright (PS 522 365) in this issue. Reviews relationship of Enright theory to previous research. Suggests that forgiveness may require moral insights in addition to reciprocity, but reciprocity appears central to children's and adults' understanding of forgiveness. Provides…

Defends domain theory approach to children's moral development based on limitations of Piaget's original theory. Argues that Fowler's characterization of domain theory research omits important features and studies. Maintains that distinctions between morality and convention cannot be reduced to differences in perceptible harm and punishment; it is…

Advocates the promotion of certain values in the middle school curriculum, including the promotion of students' personal efficacy, competence, responsibility, affiliation with learning events, awareness, and an ethical perception of self. (JPB)

Parental power assertion is traditionally studied in the behavioral domain--discipline triggered by the child's immediate misbehavior--but rarely in the cognitive domain--parent-child discussions of the child's past misbehavior. Maternal power assertion was observed in "do" and "don't" discipline contexts from 14 to 45 months and in the context of…

The purpose of this report is to provide a brief background on the current status on values teaching, to describe the two values education approaches most frequently appearing in recent educational literature (values clarification and cognitive development), to discuss methods of initiating values programs, to furnish examples of how schools are…

Reports the results of a survey of current textbooks in developmental psychology for common citation of pre-1940 publications. The historical significance of the contributions of individual persons and landmark studies are discussed. (SDH)

An interview taped in 1978 with Constance Kamii, a child development researcher who studied Piagetian theory at the University of Geneva, is presented in this document. When asked what teachers of young children should keep in mind, Dr. Kamii talked about teaching to the child's level and cautioned against dealing with symbolic materials, advising…

Piaget's and Kohlberg's interview and scoring methods for assessing moral judgment in children were empirically compared. Based on cognitive development and social learning theories, six hypotheses were tested on 139 elementary school children. After being interviewed, the children participated in a moral conduct task. Multiple linear regressions…

This study examined the relationship between moral reasoning and altruistic behavior in 120 boys, 4- to 11-years old. Subjects were administered Damon's Positive- Justice Interview, and were presented helping and sharing tasks under five behavioral conditions corresponding to Damon's justice levels. Findings supported cognitive- developmental…

Using Quay's typology, three equal groups (n=12) of adolescent psychopathic, neurotic, and subcultural delinquent males and a matched nondelinquent control group were individually administered Kohlberg's structured moral dilemmas, two Piagetian tasks of cognitive development (pendulum and balance), and an adaption of Flavell's role-taking task.…