History/Systems of Psychology

5.2 Discussion. Exploring Moral Development

Getting Started

Let’s start with a simple definition of morality to help us understand what we are talking about in this discussion. Morality pertains to principles of right and wrong behavior. That sounds easy enough. When teaching a young child, it is fairly straightforward. Parents teach their children principles such as: you don’t hit other people, you don’t throw your food, you do say “please” and “thank you,” etc. But as the child grows older, life situations become more complicated. And it’s not always clear where the line between right and wrong behavior lies.

Here are some examples: A junior high student justifies cheating on an exam because his parents are threatening to take his phone if he fails another test. A college student sells his ADHD medication to friends because he needs the money to buy books. A mother who is late to pick up her son at childcare speeds through a subdivision at 50 mph when the posted speed limit is 25 mph. In each of these examples, the person justifies his or her choice because it brings about personal benefit. The persons in these examples do not believe the choices are immoral ones. But are they? We’ll take a closer look at these types of questions.

This shifting of moral standards and the thinking behind them is what the psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg studied. Kohlberg developed a theory of moral development that was outlined in six stages and contained three levels in those six stages. Level one represented the most basic type of moral behavior, with the most mature evidence of moral development in his third level. We assume that as a person ages their moral sensibilities also mature. But that is not always the case. According to Kohlberg, some people stay in the first level of moral development their entire lives. The question is: Why don’t some people mature in their moral reasoning capacity while others do?

Kohlberg developed his theory in the late 1950s and refined it for the rest of his career. Think back to Workshop Four and all the cultural turmoil that was going on politically, socially, and economically in the United States during the decade of the 1960s. As young people were practicing open use of drugs, sexual freedom, anti-war protests, and rebellion against authority, the question of morality was front and center. For example, during the Vietnam War, many Americans who were drafted to be soldiers opposed the war on moral grounds and fled to Canada rather than fight. Even though this behavior was against the law, these people decided that these particular laws did not follow the higher rules they believed in, and they chose to follow their higher rules instead of the law.

In this discussion, you will have the opportunity to explore Kohlberg’s theory of moral development by taking a close look at each of the stages and providing examples of what moral behavior looks like at each level. I think you will find great diversity in the opinions of your classmates about each of the questions.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Explain the moral development process and how it applies to different individuals based upon behavior and choices.

Resources

· Textbook:  A History of Psychology: The Emergence of Science and Applications

· Article: Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

· Article: Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development (Chart)

Background Information

The psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg was best known for his theory of moral development. His theory expanded upon and went beyond the work of Jean Piaget, whose work on the cognitive development of children served as the foundation for Kohlberg’s theory of morality.

Before participating in the discussion, read Chapter 17 from the course textbook and the article titled “Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development,” and study the chart “Kohlberg’s Stages of Development.” The combination of these resources will help you have a sound understanding of the stages of moral development and how they progressively increase in moral significance with each stage.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 17, “Beyond the Systems of Psychology,” in your textbook,  A History of Psychology: The Emergence of Science and Applications.

2. On the Verywell Mind website, review:

a. “ Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development ”

b. “ Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development (Chart) ”

3. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion questions:

a. How would you describe the progression of morality from level 1 to level 2? How is that different than a progression from level 2 to level 3?

b. Give examples (without using names) of three people (one for each level) that illustrate how their behavior and choices match Kohlberg’s levels of morality.

c. What would a person who is showing evidence of a level 2 morality need to do to become more principled and move to a level 3 type of morality?

d. At what level (1, 2, or 3) would you place most Christians you know? Explain.

4. Your initial post:

a. Should be 400 to 500 words.

5. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

5.3 Assignment. Lifespan Stages of Development

Getting Started

The average lifespan for an American adult is about 80 years; it’s a little more for women, a little less for men. During those 80 or so years, we pass through many distinct developmental periods. The first two decades of life are characterized by multiple areas of growth, the middle decades by accomplishment, and the final decade is usually about adapting to limitations. Each developmental stage has unique tasks and challenges that must be achieved if the person is to successfully move on to the next stage.

The psychologist Erik Erikson was the first to formulate a theory that explained the significance of the entire lifespan. He proposed eight stages of development, ranging from birth to old age. Each stage encompasses a core task that must be accomplished or else the person is not adequately prepared to tackle the challenges of the next stage of development and beyond. For example, the first stage of Erikson’s model spans from birth to age one. The core task of a child in this stage is learning to trust. That trust is learned or not learned according to the care and responsiveness of the caregivers in that child’s life. If the child feels safe enough to trust others in the first year of life, he or she will move into the next stage of development with a strong base to learn the next task, which is autonomy, or the ability to see themselves as separate from their parents. Each stage of development builds, to some degree, on the previous stage(s).

In this assignment, you have the opportunity to examine these eight stages of development and assess your own movement through select points. After you become more familiar with Erikson’s model, you will identify the stage that best characterizes where you currently are, how well you are doing at accomplishing the core task, and what you need to do to finish well. Along the way, you will integrate what you’ve been thinking about as it relates to the Hero’s Journey and your spiritual pathway.

This assignment is an excellent opportunity for you to reflect on where you are in your life. Are you consistently living in a deliberate manner that is in line with your core values? If not, what would you change? When you get to the end of your life, will you look back with contentment (what Erikson calls “ego integrity”), or will you have many regrets? These are the types of important questions you will explore in this assignment.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Assess a personal life stage and associated task with future goals and the Hero’s Journey.

Resources

· Article: Erik Erikson

Background Information

Before submitting this assignment, you will need to understand Erikson’s eight stages of development, the core task associated with each stage, and what the potential developmental consequences might be for not accomplishing that task. To get that degree of clarity on Erikson’s theory, it may be necessary for you to do additional research beyond the resources that are provided in this workshop.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read the article  Eric Erikson ; on the GoodTherapy website.

3. After reading the article on Erik Erikson and doing any additional research that you may need to better understand his eight developmental stages, write a four- to five-page paper that responds to the following questions:

a. Which stage best describes where you currently are in your life? Explain in some detail how your life circumstances parallel Erikson’s description of that stage.

b. How does this correspond to the level of moral development you are currently in according to Kohlberg’s theory?

c. What is the core task associated with the stage you are currently in? In your assessment, how well are you accomplishing that task in the present?

d. The last stage of Erikson’s model is called Ego Integrity versus Despair. What one major accomplishment do you want to see realized between now and that final stage of life so you can look back on your life with integrity instead of regret and despair?

e. Be specific and detailed in your response.

f. How does that one major life accomplishment fit into your Hero’s Journey and your spiritual pathway as you’ve been thinking about it thus far in this curriculum? What needs to happen for that goal to become a reality?/li>

4. Please include in-text citations and a reference page of any sources used in correct APA Style formatting.

5.1 Discussion. Growing In God

Getting Started

Most of the theorists in developmental psychology focus on cognitive and behavioral growth and development. While there are a few theories that emphasize moral development, it is relatively rare that we learn about spiritual development from a more scientific perspective. Questions such as “What helps us to grow spiritually and in our relationships with God?” or “What do we need to do to be maturely responsive to the plan God has for our lives?” are rarely answered. Perhaps the most important question is “What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus, cognitively, behaviorally, and spiritually?”

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Share a time when you grew spiritually.

· Outline a process by which human beings “Grow in God.”

Resources

· Bible

· Video: Growing in God

Background Information

This devotional is different from any other you have read or pondered. First, consider the following ten scripture passages that pertain to growth and development of faith and your walk with God. Then, choose one of the passages and allow it to guide your thoughts, words, and deeds for one day.

Here are the scripture verses for your consideration:

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.

Isaiah 54:2–3

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

1 Peter 2:1–3

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

1 Timothy 4:15

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

1 Corinthians 13:11

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God . . .

Colossians 1:10

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13–14

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9–11

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

God’s Word was written to saturate our hearts with wisdom and love. Allow at least one of these passages from his Word to soak into your thoughts and deeds. Report on how the words did or did not impact your daily life.

Instructions

1. Watch the video “ Growing In God, ” and/or read the  Growing in God transcript .

2. Consider the ten scripture verses in the Background Information section and choose one.

3. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

4. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion questions:

a. How did the scripture verse guide your thoughts and deeds over the past 24 hours?

b. Do you think God’s word has anything to do with spiritual development?

5. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

5.2 Discussion. Exploring Moral Development

Getting Started

Let’s start with a simple definition of morality to help us understand what we are talking about in this discussion. Morality pertains to principles of right and wrong behavior. That sounds easy enough. When teaching a young child, it is fairly straightforward. Parents teach their children principles such as: you don’t hit other people, you don’t throw your food, you do say “please” and “thank you,” etc. But as the child grows older, life situations become more complicated. And it’s not always clear where the line between right and wrong behavior lies.

Here are some examples: A junior high student justifies cheating on an exam because his parents are threatening to take his phone if he fails another test. A college student sells his ADHD medication to friends because he needs the money to buy books. A mother who is late to pick up her son at childcare speeds through a subdivision at 50 mph when the posted speed limit is 25 mph. In each of these examples, the person justifies his or her choice because it brings about personal benefit. The persons in these examples do not believe the choices are immoral ones. But are they? We’ll take a closer look at these types of questions.

This shifting of moral standards and the thinking behind them is what the psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg studied. Kohlberg developed a theory of moral development that was outlined in six stages and contained three levels in those six stages. Level one represented the most basic type of moral behavior, with the most mature evidence of moral development in his third level. We assume that as a person ages their moral sensibilities also mature. But that is not always the case. According to Kohlberg, some people stay in the first level of moral development their entire lives. The question is: Why don’t some people mature in their moral reasoning capacity while others do?

Kohlberg developed his theory in the late 1950s and refined it for the rest of his career. Think back to Workshop Four and all the cultural turmoil that was going on politically, socially, and economically in the United States during the decade of the 1960s. As young people were practicing open use of drugs, sexual freedom, anti-war protests, and rebellion against authority, the question of morality was front and center. For example, during the Vietnam War, many Americans who were drafted to be soldiers opposed the war on moral grounds and fled to Canada rather than fight. Even though this behavior was against the law, these people decided that these particular laws did not follow the higher rules they believed in, and they chose to follow their higher rules instead of the law.

In this discussion, you will have the opportunity to explore Kohlberg’s theory of moral development by taking a close look at each of the stages and providing examples of what moral behavior looks like at each level. I think you will find great diversity in the opinions of your classmates about each of the questions.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Explain the moral development process and how it applies to different individuals based upon behavior and choices.

Resources

· Textbook:  A History of Psychology: The Emergence of Science and Applications

· Article: Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

· Article: Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development (Chart)

Background Information

The psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg was best known for his theory of moral development. His theory expanded upon and went beyond the work of Jean Piaget, whose work on the cognitive development of children served as the foundation for Kohlberg’s theory of morality.

Before participating in the discussion, read Chapter 17 from the course textbook and the article titled “Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development,” and study the chart “Kohlberg’s Stages of Development.” The combination of these resources will help you have a sound understanding of the stages of moral development and how they progressively increase in moral significance with each stage.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 17, “Beyond the Systems of Psychology,” in your textbook,  A History of Psychology: The Emergence of Science and Applications.

2. On the Verywell Mind website, review:

a. “ Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development ”

b. “ Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development (Chart) ”

3. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion questions:

a. How would you describe the progression of morality from level 1 to level 2? How is that different than a progression from level 2 to level 3?

b. Give examples (without using names) of three people (one for each level) that illustrate how their behavior and choices match Kohlberg’s levels of morality.

c. What would a person who is showing evidence of a level 2 morality need to do to become more principled and move to a level 3 type of morality?

d. At what level (1, 2, or 3) would you place most Christians you know? Explain.

4. Your initial post:

a. Should be 400 to 500 words.

5. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.