Measuring morality in infancy: A scoping methodological review

Abstract

Abstract: We conducted a scoping review of methods that have been used to measure infants' (under age 2) moral development. We aimed to assess the state of knowledge through a thematic overview of the methodologies that have been used and the specific constructs studied. We found that the majority of studies used an experimental methodology, and within this, infants' actual behaviour and their evaluations were the most common sources of information. An evidence map depicting concept delineation between studies and presenting concepts as related to an underlying moral sense, as prosocial (emotion and behaviour), and as antisocial components (emotion and behaviour) is provided. Just under one‐third of studies were longitudinal, and a high percentage reported a statistically significant longitudinal relation for moral development. Results highlight a need for measures that can be used longitudinally at different stages of development so that trajectories can be observed and mapped to behavioural outcomes, such as conduct problems.