Construct validity of the Moral Development Scale for Professionals (MDSP)

Figures & data

Figure 1 The 4-factor simplex model of moral development.

Table 1 Standardized factor loadings of the three-factor simplex model of moral development

Variable	Item content	Intended Kohlberg-stage	Conventional level stage 3	Conventional level stage 4	Postconventional level stages 5 and 6	t-test	P values
Item 1	To meet with expectations from others has its own value	4		0.38		5.26	0.000
Item 2	Important to listen to what people mean in moral issues	5			0.42	5.26	0.000
Item 3	Right behavior consists of doing one’s duties	4		0.48		6.33	0.000
Item 4	The majority is seldom wrong	5			0.36	4.95	0.000
Item 5	Immoral conduct breaks established laws and rules	4		0.42		6.66	0.000
Item 6	Consideration and kindness most important values in a community	3	0.30			3.29	0.001
Item 7	A value in itself to treat authorities with respect	4		0.45		6.95	0.000
Item 8	Reasonable to listen to what most people mean is right or wrong	5			0.44	4.87	0.000
Item 9	A good value valid for all people	6			0.30	3.87	0.000
Item 10	A necessary condition for an action to be good is a good thought behind	3	0.41			3.87	0.000
Item 11	Usually possible to reach consensus in moral issues	5			0.34	4.84	0.000
Item 12	Good moral rules must be able to be put in a context	6			0.35	3.87	0.000
Cronbach’s alpha			0.20	0.47	0.47