Cognitive Explanations for Offending Behaviour

Kohlberg

• theory of moral reasoning 
• development levels
• perception of right or wrong

Development Levels

• pre-conventional level
  • the development level of children under 10 and criminals
  • obey the rules for personal gain
  • obey the rules to avoid punishment
• conventional level
  • children over 10 and regular adults
  • obey the rules to maintain social order
  • obey the rules for approval
• post-conventional level
  • 10% of adults
  • obey the rules based on personal ethics

Criminality

• rewards are perceived to be greater than the risks…