The article discusses the importance of quantitative empirical character assessment for better understanding the formation of character and for promoting virtue and thereby also human flourishing. Attention is given to a number of challenges in developing character survey items along with criteria for evaluating items and examples of successes and…

The ethics assessment industry is currently dominated by the second version of the Defining Issues Test (DIT2). In this article, we describe an alternative assessment instrument called the Sphere-Specific Moral Reasoning and Theory Survey (SMARTS), which measures the respondent's level of moral development in several respects. We describe eight…

This qualitative study investigated perceptions of contemporary leaders regarding moral and ethical learning and the role of higher education. There were three steps in the data collection procedures: a survey of graduate students, open-ended interviews with the selected leaders, and document content analysis. Participants were asked whether they…

Reports on two studies of adult moral development, experiences, and education: (1) a longitudinal investigation of moral judgment and reported moral experience and (2) an outcome study on the impact of a moral intervention project with adult undergraduate students. Provides some conclusions applicable to teaching adult moral development. (DSK)

A study investigated students values to determine the regard in which today's students hold money and material possessions. Questionnaires, eliciting responses to 10 topics organized by a weighted scale, were administered to 150 students in two sections of a class in principles of public relations. Results revealed that money had minimal…

The paper investigated the relationship between how people reason about moral matters and how they act. Moral reasoning is defined as degree of maturity of judgment relating to moral matters. Moral behavior is interpreted to include behaving in ways which are helpful to others in need or distress and refraining from behavior which is physically or…

Marxist-Leninist ethics were related to Communist morality in practice by surveying Soviet students' values and perceptions of the influence of parents, schools, and mass media. The content of moral education, history, and social studies curricula, and the structure of youth organizations (Octobrists, Pioneers, and Komsomal) were examined.…

Claims that modernization in Singapore has had little effect on the Chinese concept of filial piety, a key factor in moral development. Argues that social change and modernization are challenging this firmly held tenet. Focuses on studies of student attitudes toward filial piety and moral values. Analyzes values and beliefs of Chinese, Malay, and…