The Relationship Between Deterrence and Moral Reasoning

Abstract

In order to establish whether a relationship exists between deterrence and moral reasoning, respondents were administered a questionnaire containing a list of possible factors that could account for deterrence, along with a questionnaire measuring their level of moral reasoning within the conceptual framework developed by Kohlberg. Analyses revealed differences between subgroups at various stages of moral development. Results are discussed in terms of research and policy implications.