Question

After a child plays in the yard, his mother asks him to pick up his toys and put them in the toy bin in the garage. Knowing that he does not want to spend time in his room as a punishment, the child follows his mother's directions. What stage of moral development, according to Kohlberg, is this child demonstrating?

A) Preconventional level: stage 1
B) Preconventional level: stage 2
C) Conventional level: stage 1
D) Conventional level: stage 2

Answer 1

The child in the scenario is demonstrating the Conventional level: stage 1 of moral development, according to Kohlberg's theory. This stage is characterized by a focus on concrete rules and obedience to authority figures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The child in the scenario is demonstrating the Conventional level: stage 1 of moral development, according to Kohlberg's theory.

At this stage, individuals tend to conform to social norms and rules, and they base their moral decisions on the expectations and approvals of others. They seek to avoid punishment and gain approval, which is reflected in the child's behavior of following their mother's directions to avoid punishment.

This stage is characterized by a focus on concrete rules and obedience to authority figures.