A clue to the relationship of literature to adolescent development may lie in an understanding of the adolescent's evolving moral conscience. As the adolescent matures in terms of moral thinking, the meaning of particular literary experiences may shift dramatically. According to the theory developed by Kohlberg at Harvard University, individuals…

Article considered the task of the religious educator, presented three theological questions which are much discussed in the Catholic world today, and examined certain trends in contemporary moral theology which offered some tentative solutions to the problems of religious educators. (Author/RK)

Recognizing the groundlessness of Kohlberg's dismissal of the Aristotelian view that virtues are acquired individually by practice, that view can possibly work in tandem with Kohlberg's for a complete theory of moral development. (Author/SJL)

Examined kindergarten, first, third, and fifth graders' reactions to the moral transgressions of children and adults. The stories presented to the children varied in terms of intention, damage, and age of transgressor. (BD)

Presents a study of the efficacy of using reinforcement versus cognitive conflict in producing changes in the moral judgments of ninth grade subjects. (BD/BR)

This paper reports on a study which applied Kohlberg's ideas on moral development to test Myrdal's classic formulation of the dilemma of white Americans who believe in the essential dignity of man, while simultaneously endorsing discrimination against blacks. (Author/AM)

Kohlberg's theory of moral development explains some of the moral confusion emerging from the diverse, yet justifiable, reasoning in our complex society. This interview attempts to clarify Kohlberg's moral theory and relate its meaning to educational practice. (Editor/RK)

A central group of Clint Eastwood's films reveal both a preoccupation with various aspects of violence and a consistent approach to violence. Given that these films are so popular, this paper asks what attitudes and values are the public imbibing from them, and conversely, why should these attitudes and values prove so attractive to the mass…

Kindergarten children and adults were shown slides with an accompanying taped soundtrack which portrayed reciprocal and nonreciprocal aggressive and prosocial interactions. Following each episode, subjects' evaluations of the actor and their attributions concerning the cause of his behavior were obtained. (Author/JMB)

This study investigated whether for female undergraduates, stages of moral reasoning vary as a function of locus of control and degree of field independence. (GO)

There is a fundamental gap between people's assertions as to what is right or wrong and their actual behavior. This has been traditionally attributed to "akrasia" or weakness of the will. This research examines this concept and considers what moral education can do about it. (Editor/RK)

Reports a three-year case study of the effects of systematic interventions designed to enhance prosocial behavior among elementary school students. Particular attention is devoted to the scope and design of the study and a listing of the factors which were potential threats to its validity. (JDH)

Stories of Chinese children evidence the following in comparison to those of American children: (1) greater social orientation; (2) greater concern with authority and with moral-ethnic rectitude; (3) greater saliency of the role of natural forces and chance; (4) more affective elements; (5) fewer instances of physical aggression; and (6) less…

Author reflects on his association with psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg and his collaboration with Kohlberg in a project funded by the Danforth Foundation for research and development in moral education. (Author/NB)

Conscience strength in adolescence was correlated with the development of moral judgment among adolescents and was a predictor of subsequent development during adulthood. A similar pattern of results was obtained for measures of paternal identification and involvement, but not for the corresponding maternal variables. (RH)