... which development of morality is simply learning over time, or whether its development can be predicted through differences in such variables as IQ, gender, culture and parents. As early as 1934, LaPiere concluded that little consistency existed between people's attitudes, as measured by their statements and their behaviour. Later research seemed to confirm this conclusion (Deutscher, 1966, Festinger, 1964). Only recently has there been a trend toward a more optimistic outlook about the relevance of attitude research for behaviour in general and for moral behaviour in particular. It has been suggested that moral behaviour does not always match the level of moral reasoning assessed by the stages of moral development. Kohlbergs scale is concerned with moral thinking, not moral action. Consequently, we would not expect perfect correlations between moral judgement and moral action. As a general hypothesis, Kohlberg predicts that moral behaviour is more consistent, predictable and responsible at the higher stages ...

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