Eisenberg A-level A01 and A02
Describe and evaluate Einsenberg’s theory of pro-social reasoning. In your answer, refer to Piaget and Kohlberg’s theories. (12 marks)
A01
Kohlberg and Piaget’s theories both have a number of similarities – one of these is their emphasis on wrong doing and justice. However, Eisenberg’s theory or pro-social reasoning concentrates on positive behaviours and the reasoning behind them, rather than focusing on negative actions.
Einsenberg has overlap and similarities with her predecessor Kohlberg, however. She believed that pro-social reasoning would involve empathy. Her model involves the influence of feelings in relation making decisions about moral issues, whereas Kohlberg only stressed the influence of cognitive processes (thoughts).
Longitudinal study: (Structured interview) – [A01] Eisenberg decided to investigate changes in pro-social reasoning with age. She interviewed American children with 2-year intervals (between 4-12yrs). The children had to decide whether to carry out a positive behaviour even when it was at a cost to themselves. The results were that (1) Pre-school & nursery ages gave self-orientated and hedonistic answers – their own interest and pleasure came before others. (2) Older children gave more empathic answers – more importance is on the feelings of others.
[A02] On the basis of children’s responses to the dilemmas, Eisenberg proposed a series of five levels of pro-social reasoning. Although she believes that development is less clear cut and more complicated than the stage theories would suggest. In addition, she acknowledges that pro-social behaviour varies with culture and will be higher in cultures where such behaviour is rewarded or valued.
Einsenberg’s 5 main levels of pro-social reasoning:
AGE
LEVEL
DESCRIPTION
0-7
Hedonistic – Self-centred
Child only cares for itself, only helps others when it benefits them. (Like Id dominating early stages in child’s life)
7-11
Needs orientation
Needs of others are being recognised but to a
A01
Kohlberg and Piaget’s theories both have a number of similarities – one of these is their emphasis on wrong doing and justice. However, Eisenberg’s theory or pro-social reasoning concentrates on positive behaviours and the reasoning behind them, rather than focusing on negative actions.
Einsenberg has overlap and similarities with her predecessor Kohlberg, however. She believed that pro-social reasoning would involve empathy. Her model involves the influence of feelings in relation making decisions about moral issues, whereas Kohlberg only stressed the influence of cognitive processes (thoughts).
Longitudinal study: (Structured interview) – [A01] Eisenberg decided to investigate changes in pro-social reasoning with age. She interviewed American children with 2-year intervals (between 4-12yrs). The children had to decide whether to carry out a positive behaviour even when it was at a cost to themselves. The results were that (1) Pre-school & nursery ages gave self-orientated and hedonistic answers – their own interest and pleasure came before others. (2) Older children gave more empathic answers – more importance is on the feelings of others.
[A02] On the basis of children’s responses to the dilemmas, Eisenberg proposed a series of five levels of pro-social reasoning. Although she believes that development is less clear cut and more complicated than the stage theories would suggest. In addition, she acknowledges that pro-social behaviour varies with culture and will be higher in cultures where such behaviour is rewarded or valued.
Einsenberg’s 5 main levels of pro-social reasoning:
AGE
LEVEL
DESCRIPTION
0-7
Hedonistic – Self-centred
Child only cares for itself, only helps others when it benefits them. (Like Id dominating early stages in child’s life)
7-11
Needs orientation
Needs of others are being recognised but to a