Final answer:
In Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, the preconventional stage is characterized by a focus on self-interest and the consequences of actions. It is a stage experienced by young children who rely primarily on their senses to understand the world around them.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, the preconventional stage is the first level. This stage is typically experienced by young children who lack a higher level of cognitive ability and rely primarily on their senses to understand the world around them.
In the preconventional stage, morality is based on a person's self-interest and the consequences of their actions. It is a stage where individuals focus on avoiding punishment and seeking rewards. They have not yet developed a true understanding of societal norms and values.
For example, a child in the preconventional stage may refrain from taking a toy from another child because they fear getting in trouble or being punished, rather than understanding that it is morally wrong to take someone else's belongings without permission.