Final answer:
A person in Kohlberg's pre-conventional stage would avoid an action to escape punishment. This stage is typical of young children who have not yet developed higher cognitive abilities and make decisions based on self-interest to avoid negative consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
A person in Kohlberg's pre-conventional stage of moral development would avoid an action because it would result in their punishment. This stage typically pertains to children before age 9, who experience the world primarily through their senses and lack a higher level of cognitive ability. At this level, the focus is on self-interest; a child obeys rules to avoid punishment or to gain concrete rewards.
As individuals develop, they move into the conventional stage during early adolescence, where they become more aware of others' feelings and societal rules. The highest level described by Kohlberg is the post-conventional stage, where morality is understood in more abstract terms, considering broader moral principles that may transcend legal or societal norms.
It's noteworthy to mention that Carol Gilligan, a critic of Kohlberg's theory, suggested there may be gender differences in moral development, where girls tend to focus on care and responsibility, while boys may focus more on justice and rules.