FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is autonomous morality in the context of children's development?

1. The ability to memorize rules

2. Willingness to challenge authority

3. Desire to conform to societal expectations

4. Understanding consequences of actions

The correct answer is: Willingness to challenge authority

Autonomous morality refers to a stage in children's moral development where they begin to think independently about rules and moral standards. This concept is rooted in the work of developmental psychologists, particularly Jean Piaget. In this stage, children start to understand that rules are not absolute and can be challenged based on their own reasoning and the context of the situation. The willingness to challenge authority is a key component of autonomous morality because it signifies that children are not simply accepting rules imposed from external sources; instead, they are evaluating and questioning these rules based on their own understanding of fairness, justice, and human relationships. This represents a shift from heteronomous morality, wherein a child’s sense of morality is heavily influenced by external authorities, such as parents or teachers. In contrast, the other options revolve around aspects of morality that do not capture the essence of autonomous morality. For instance, memorizing rules does not involve the critical thinking and reasoning that characterize autonomous moral reasoning. Conforming to societal expectations emphasizes adherence to external norms rather than individual judgment. Lastly, understanding the consequences of actions, while important, represents a more general aspect of moral awareness rather than the specific capacity to challenge and revise moral standards independently.