Contends that for 30 years the study of moral development has been prominent in psychology and education. Argues that there are two major cognitive components underlying moral action: (1) the interpretation of moral situations; and (2) the resolution of moral conflicts. Discusses this viewpoint in relation to moral orientation and moral character.…

Asserts that, among the concerns in recent research in moral development, has been the steps involved in moral judgment stage development. Reports on a study of 490 college students and adults on the primary perspective-taking factors associated within the transition to mature moral judgment. (CFR)

Maintains that the Defining Issues Test (DIT) is now the most frequently used measure of moral judgment development. Reviews the history of DIT research. Asserts that the measurement system provided by the DIT would put the cognitive developmental approach in a better position to affect change in the moral development field. (CFR)

Presents an extensive, nonannotated bibliography of books and articles published during 1993 and 1994 related to moral development, moral education, and social issues. Includes items on instructional strategies, moral reasoning, social values, and social justice. (CFR)

Reviews research on interpersonal and moral development of urban and rural students and young adults in Iceland, the United States, Europe, Japan, and China. Asserts that knowledge structures used to make meaning in a socio-moral conflict situation are highly dependent on the culture. (CFR)

Contends that the current interest in moral education mandates an effort by educators to discover the most effective programs and approaches. Includes a citation analysis of journal articles revealing recent trends in moral education. Calls for a cooperative effort between the research and school communities. (MJP)

Briefly reports, defines, and classifies central questions and issues in moral education. Traces recent theoretical developments in moral philosophy and moral reasoning and relates these to education for democratic values. Concludes with a recommendation to apply these principles globally. (MJP)

Presents a study in which students from Kuwait were given Rest's Defining Issues Test (DIT) to measure the development of moral judgment skills. Explains that results were compared with scales measuring student perception of parental behavior. Concludes that the DIT may not be a valid test for development of moral judgment in an Arab culture. (DK)

Classifies and explains some of the basic concepts, practices, and approaches of character education. Delineates eight ways to differentiate current approaches. Discusses the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility) comprehensive approach. Includes a list of 10 moral education centers. (MJP)

Summarizes the "Free to Learn, Free to Teach" program which draws linkages between considerate and compassionate behavior relevant to young children, and democratic values. Various charts and activities illuminating class, school, and safety rules also instruct the students in such democratic concepts as compromise and consensus. (MJP)

Critiques 20 years of moral education research, briefly commenting on major developments and theories. Discusses the link between cognitive distortion and antisocial behavior in adolescents. Includes a list of theoretical suggestions for future research. (MJP)

Presents an annotated bibliography, arranged alphabetically by author, of 85 doctoral dissertations published between 1991 and 1993 on topics related to moral development and values education. Includes dissertations on the teacher's impact on moral development and on teaching about value issues in social studies. (CFR)

Identifies four major problem areas in current moral education research. Reviews research programs to determine their effectiveness. Identifies the elements of moral psychology. Examines possible alternative pathways of moral development. Relates individual moral development to group morality. Concludes with some broad guidelines for future…

Introduces a concise overview of societal changes and their implications for moral education. Asserts that moral education research will shift from a search for immutable truth to workable solutions. Boundaries between researcher and subject will become blurred as research is used to serve rather than observe the client. (MJP)

Encapsulates five brief reports on cutting edge issues in moral education research. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of different administrative approaches to creating a character education program. Addresses the inherent dichotomy between military service and democratic values. Considers issues of data verification and abuse of power. (MJP)