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The Search For Self/Other Distinctions In The Moral Judgment Of Five, Six, And Seven-Year-Olds, Vivian A. Proffitt

Graduate Theses

Ninety-six children, ages 5> 6, and 7 responded to six Piagetian type story pairs that contrasted good intentions/ high damage with had intentions/low damage to determine differences in how the child judges (a) himself, and (h) another child in identical imaginary situations. The story themes included lying, stealing, and property damage. The taped and illustrated story pairs were presented twice during the testing period with (a) self as the central character, and (b) another child as the central character. No support was found for the Piagetian supposition that the child first makes autonomous choices in situations that involve self. However, …