What method of the study did Kohlberg use?
(a) moral dilemmas
(b) surveys
(c) memory schema
(d) behavioral observations.
Answer: (a) moral dilemmas
Kohlberg conducted his research to understand moral development by involving an individual in hypothetical moral dilemmas that he provided and then assessing the reasoning process and the rationale the individual gave in how to solve the dilemma. These choices entailed the participants into an ethical paradox in which without much option they were forced to select the best one they thought was appropriate. While responding to these dilemmas, Kohlberg was more concerned with the cognitive psychological approach, focusing not only on the actions and behaviours of individuals but also the kind of moral reasoning that they employ in their reactions. Kohlberg thus envisaged trying to identify the different stages of moral growth and the working of moral reasoning from being based on prudent self-interest to a higher level of understanding of principles of morality as addressing the moral spirit inherent in every human.
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