title: Why a true account of human development requires exemplar research.
abstract: This chapter uses moral psychology to illustrate why exemplar methods are essential for building a valid, complete understanding of key domains of human development. Social psychological, economic, and biological-evolutionary paradigms for studying morality rely on samples drawn from the general population. This research reveals a bleak picture of morality, highlighting its irrational, self-interested, externally controlled aspects. If the subjects in these studies are confused, pliable, or profit-maximizing, these studies conclude that people in general are morally irrational and self-interested. In contrast, studies that investigate morally exceptional individuals reveal a more thoughtful, ideal-driven, self-reflective, creative version of moral functioning. Any account that neglects this high-functioning segment of the range is seriously misleading and cannot provide the basis for aspiration or education.
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Damon
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Colby
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009014:Morals