This paper defines the concept of the dialectic and places it within the context of a well-defined methodology, i.e. that of organicism, which contrasts markedly with the logical empiricism of much contemporary psychology. The paper then points out the relevance of a dialectical perspective for developmental psychology. (Author/CS)

Discusses Kohlberg's theory of moral development and the criticism leveled against its four main assumptions. States that if these "supposedly foundational" assumptions were discarded, the theory would stand on its own. Concludes that since the major criticisms focus primarily on these assumptions, dispensing with them would eliminate…

Reviews criticisms of traditional personality theories and describes alternative, more inclusive, theories that teachers should consider adding to their courses. Suggests that teachers expose students to theories respecting diversity, feminist approaches, theories stressing relatedness, and the reformulations of traditional theories. (KO)

Two developmental stage theories concerned with moral development (Kohlberg) and ego development (Loevinger) were compared. Correlational relationships between the stages of each theory were measured, and a contingency table that visually portrayed the relationships between the stages was included. The study was based on two hypotheses: (1) There…

This book presents a study of cognitive-affective interdependence as shown in children's fantasy behavior. The systems of Piaget and Freud are the foundation of analysis. The study data consist of approximately one hundred verbatim recordings of the dramatic play of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds (in groups or alone) collected by trained teachers in a…

The consequences of Watergate for children, their education, and their ethical and moral commitment is discussed in terms of the child's development of moral judgment, and in terms of the practical issues of how values are transmitted from one generation to another. (Author/AM)

Using Quay's typology, three equal groups (n=12) of adolescent psychopathic, neurotic, and subcultural delinquent males and a matched nondelinquent control group were individually administered Kohlberg's structured moral dilemmas, two Piagetian tasks of cognitive development (pendulum and balance), and an adaption of Flavell's role-taking task.…

Instead of confirming John Dewey's ideas, Lawrence Kohlberg's writings on moral-cognitive development conflict with some of Dewey's principal concepts about moral development. Dewey's views of psychological growth, or development, and attainment of the good are contrasted with Kohlberg's findings. (PP)

This literature review presents the essentials of the theory of Values Clarification and its fundamental terms, and makes a critical analysis of the Values Clarification Theory of Valuation. (Author/JLL)

This study investigates the parent-child relationship antecedents of a multidimensional model of moral character among late adolescents. The model posits that the configuration of five character dimensions explains the moral behavior displayed by an individual. The dimensions are moral knowledge, socialization, empathy, autonomy and ethical…

Examines three areas of Lawrence Kohlberg's work and suggests that this information might have future application in the field of moral development. Discusses the cognitive model underlying morality, the exploration of other psychological constructs of morality, and the new approaches to moral education. (KO)

The process by which human beings, as they grow toward maturity, develop values is not an automatic one. The process can be fostered by a number of teaching strategies. The strategies include the techniques of self-discovery, the provision of learning environments that encourage growth, and the practice of specific skills. This volume provides a…

The concept of autonomous identity, derived from Piaget's theory of personality, is distinguished from other applications of the term "autonomy" in psychological theory. Introductory comments suggest that both biological and mental development express autonomy in the same two senses: as self-regulating and progressively self-liberating.…

The possibility that child behavior could affect parental choice of socialization technique was examined. Girls, age nine, (N=3) were trained to act high and low in person-orientation, and served as confederates. Female college students (N-24), who were unaware that the children were trained, each participated in one session. Results demonstrated…

Reports on an observation study of children's tattling behavior in a classroom setting. General conclusion is that in areas in which there was most interaction between children, there was the most tattling to adults and vice versa. The degree to which children are constrained to cooperate is discussed. (Author/AM)