A neo-Kohlbergian approach: The DIT and schema theory

"Macromorality" concerns the formal structure of society, as defined by ins titutions, rules, and roles. "Micromorality" concerns the particular face-t o-face relations that people have in everyday life. Kohlbergian theories ar e most useful for issues of macromorality. The Defining Issues Test (DIT) d erives from Kohlberg's approach but makes several departures, including def ining cognitive structures in terms of schemas instead of stages, reformula ting the definition of postconventional moral thinking, and using different research strategies. The validity of the DIT is based on seven criteria (b riefly discussed), and hundreds of studies have produced significant trends . Recent research derived from schema theory produces novel phenomena that link our theory of moral schemas more closely with information processing a nd decision making.