Argues that, although Piaget's seminal work on children's use of intention and consequence information to make moral evaluations has spawned a substantial amount of research, progress in this area has been hampered by serious conceptual and methodological problems. Offers some methodological guidelines for conducting research in this area.…

The objective of this study was to examine the research on moral development for findings which could be applied to the design of programs to cultivate moral development in children and youth. The conclusion drawn from the examination of the research is that neither the dominant theoretical frameworks (e.g., Kohlberg's theory) nor the data that…

Examined male and female definitions of right and wrong in 15 boys, 15 girls, 15 men, and 15 women. Results demonstrated 3 different outcomes as result of varying the mode of investigating sex differences in appraising a moral dilemma. Concludes growth of moral judgment is elusive and can be pursued well only through a variety of research modes.…

Emphasizes necessity of reconsideration of adolescent development, for these reasons: the view of childhood has changed; females have not been systematically studied; theories of cognitive development favor mathematical and scientific thinking over the humanities; and because the psychology of adolescence is anchored in separation and independence…

Recommends broadening the scope of evaluation in moral education. Argues that past research has relied too heavily on indirect evidence (for example, gains in moral reasoning) rather than changes in behavior. Recommends further emphasis on the relationships among self-control, social control, and moral education. (MJP)