A Comparison of Moral Reasoning Stages Using a Model of Hierarchical Complexity

Abstract

Empirical evidence has demonstrated the validity and reliability of moral development instruments such as the Defining Issues Test (DIT) and Moral Judgment Test (MJT). Rasch item reliability for each was .95. A newer instrument generated using the Model of Hierarchical Complexity had item reliability of .97. Rasch scores of responses to each instruments' items correlated well with the items' measure of hierarchical complexity, r = .286, .372, .557, .767. Test items used to measure moral reasoning were significantly correlated. In general, stage of moral development did not predict political affiliation or voting, supporting Kohlberg's claim that structure, not content, underlies stage.

KEYWORDS:

• Defining Issues Test
• Model of Hierarchical Complexity
• moral development
• Moral Judgment Test
• Rasch

Notes

*p ≤ .05

**p ≤ .01

** p ≤ .01