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Words: | Submitted: Mon Feb 05 2007
... 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 (Kohlberg et al, 1975, as cited by Crain). The stages themselves employ more stable and general standards. Kohlberg never said that there should be a one-to-one correspondence between moral reasoning and moral behaviour, ...
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