The Development of Moral Judgments - I

Abstract

This paper begins with an analysis of factors involved in the study of moral judgments, including motivating forces, methods the individual uses for working them out, examining alternative methods as to consequences, and the role of a goal or purpose in life. A learning program based on this analysis was developed for the ele mentary school. Two investigations of the effects of the program are reported?one with fifth-grade subjects in a low socioeconomic area and one with sixth-grade Ss in a middle class suburb. Comparisons of results from experimental and control groups indicated that significant growth in the dimensions tested were made by both groups. The process of making moral judgments can be influenced by planned learning experiences.