p150-151

EISENBERGS THEORY OF PROSOCIAL REASONING

BATS A01 Outline Eisenberg's theory of Prosocial reasoning. (D) A02 Evaluate Eisenberg's theory of Prosocial reasoning. (B) Synoptic points gender and cultural differences, other approaches, nature v nurture debate

Criticisms of Kohlbergs theory

Gilligan and Eisenberg felt that Kohlbergs theory was incomplete as it didnt consider the emotional component of moral behaviour. Eisenberg thought the Moral Dilemmas were too hard for children to understand, thus explaining why they showed immature reasoning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdIBMLCYQbA

Prosocial Behaviour

Behaviour for the good of others or society in general. Prosocial reasoning is a type of moral understanding focusing more on the interpersonal context than the abstract notion of Justice. For example when people have to decide whether to help or share with others, particularly when this could be costly to themselves (Shaer, 2002) Some have suggested that empathy and perspectivetaking (the ability to see someone elses point of view are the beginning of prosocial behaviour in children.

Eisenbergs Theory of Prosocial Reasoning

Nancy Eisenberg believed childrens prosocial understanding was more advanced than proposed by Kohlberg. Even young children can reason about their own prosocial behaviour and experience empathy with the feelings of others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAqBf9mz05I

Eisenbergs Theory of Prosocial Reasoning

Empathy - important point in development of prosocial reasoning. Cialdini et al, 1982 - children distressed when someone else unhappy, but not because they have empathy, but because seeing someone upset/crying is personally distressing.

Eisenbergs Theory of Prosocial Reasoning

Perspective taking - Key to developing empathy is to take the perspective of another person. An emotional response is turned into empathic concern when the child understands the distress of the other and feels concern for them. (Eisenberg, 2000) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Oh71h8be-I

Eisenbergs Theory of Prosocial Reasoning

Levels of prosocial reasoning - Eisenberg made up her own set of moral dilemmas - prosocial dilemmas to assess childrens development of thinking about prosocial moral issues. Childrens prosocial reasoning not predictable - they can reason from dierent levels rather than one at a time. Older children are capable of more mature levels of reasoning, but sometimes revert to earlier levels

Over to you ...

Find a way to represent Eisenbergs Stages of Prosocial Development in a way that is memorable for you - it may be a video, powerpoint, table, poster whatever. Create some of your own Prosocial Dilemmas and role play them with 'child' and 'psychologist' - see p150 for ideas (or go on the internet and see if you can find some of Eisenbergs)

Evaluating the Theory

Make a table to show the pros and cons of this theory. In pairs pick one of the Synoptic points - Other approaches, real world applications or gender and culture dierences. Make brief notes Share with the other groups - make up a summary sheet

Comparing Theories
who do you prefer? you decide!!

Using the 2 hands approach compare and contrast Kohlberg and Eisenbergs theories We could have a mini debate on which we think is best and why!!

Plenary
Complete the Levels of Prosocial Reasoning worksheet. Homework - you have a choice .. Discuss one theory of Prosocial Reasoning (9+16 marks) or Compare Kohlberg and Eisenberg's theories of Moral Dev (9+16marks)