M Dev Theory-CTP

Which of Kohlberg's levels of moral reasoning is characterized by an individual’s focus on avoiding punishment and gaining rewards?

• Preconventional Level

• Conventional Level

• Postconventional Level

• Metaconventional Level

  
  

Answer explanation

Which of Kohlberg's levels of moral reasoning is characterized by an individual’s focus on avoiding punishment and gaining rewards?

A. Preconventional Level

The Preconventional Level defines morality strictly in terms of self-interest, primarily through avoiding punishment (Stage 1) or securing rewards (Stage 2).

The stage of 'Social System and Conscience Maintenance' (Law and Order) belongs to which of Kohlberg’s three main levels?

• Conventional Level

• Postconventional Level

• Transitional Level

• Preconventional Level

Answer explanation

The stage of 'Social System and Conscience Maintenance' (Law and Order) belongs to which of Kohlberg’s three main levels?

Conventional Level

Stage 4, 'Social System and Conscience Maintenance,' is the highest stage within the Conventional Level, where morality is defined by upholding societal laws and order.

What is the primary focus of moral action in Stage 2 (Individualism and Exchange) of Kohlberg's theory?

• Upholding the social contract established by the majority.

• Obeying authority figures to avoid physical punishment.

• Acting in a way that serves one's own immediate needs or securing a benefit in return.

• Following rules to maintain social approval.

Answer explanation

What is the primary focus of moral action in Stage 2 (Individualism and Exchange) of Kohlberg's theory?

Acting in a way that serves one's own immediate needs or securing a benefit in return.

Stage 2 morality is guided by a self-serving mentality, often described as 'what's in it for me' or simple 'eye for an eye' reciprocity.

A nurse who always follows hospital procedure because it is mandated by the organization and ensures orderly patient care is operating at which stage of moral development?

• Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment

• Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

• Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

• Stage 4: Social System and Conscience Maintenance

Answer explanation

A nurse who always follows hospital procedure because it is mandated by the organization and ensures orderly patient care is operating at which stage of moral development?

Stage 4: Social System and Conscience Maintenance

This stage is defined by the belief that following established rules, procedures, and laws is the moral duty necessary to maintain a functional social system (the hospital).

The primary difference between a Stage 3 and a Stage 5 justification for helping a person in need is that the Stage 5 justification relies on:

• The principle of protecting the fundamental individual right to well-being.

  That's right

• The expected praise from close friends and family.

• The calculation of self-benefit outweighing the effort.

• Avoiding guilt from personal conscience.

Answer explanation

The primary difference between a Stage 3 and a Stage 5 justification for helping a person in need is that the Stage 5 justification relies on:

The principle of protecting the fundamental individual right to well-being.

Stage 5 morality shifts from personal approval (Stage 3) to the protection of abstract human rights and the overall social contract

A child is told to clean their room, and upon completion, they immediately receive an allowance. They clean their room primarily because they want the allowance. This motivation is reflective of which moral stage?

• 
  Stage 4

• 
  Stage 3

• 
  Stage 2

• 
  Stage 1

Answer explanation

A child is told to clean their room, and upon completion, they immediately receive an allowance. They clean their room primarily because they want the allowance. This motivation is reflective of which moral stage?

Stage 2

Stage 2 morality defines right action as that which serves the individual's needs, such as securing a reward or benefit, which matches the desire for the allowance.

A politician is criticized for voting against a popular bill. They defend the vote by stating, 'The law is fundamentally flawed; it violates the constitutional right to due process, and a law that violates fundamental human rights should be challenged, not blindly followed.' This justification demonstrates reasoning at which stage?

• Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

• Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

• Stage 4: Social System Maintenance

• Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

Answer explanation

A politician is criticized for voting against a popular bill. They defend the vote by stating, 'The law is fundamentally flawed; it violates the constitutional right to due process, and a law that violates fundamental human rights should be challenged, not blindly followed.' This justification demonstrates reasoning at which stage?

Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

This stage defines morality as upholding the basic rights of all individuals and recognizing that laws are a social contract that can be legitimately challenged when they infringe upon those rights.

An emergency medical technician (EMT) refuses to follow a discriminatory policy that requires them to treat certain groups of people last, stating, 'Every person's life has equal, intrinsic value, and my duty to humanity transcends any institutional regulation.' This justification is most clearly aligned with which stage?

• Stage 4: Social System Maintenance

• Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

• Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange

• Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

  
  

Answer explanation

An emergency medical technician (EMT) refuses to follow a discriminatory policy that requires them to treat certain groups of people last, stating, 'Every person's life has equal, intrinsic value, and my duty to humanity transcends any institutional regulation.' This justification is most clearly aligned with which stage?

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

Stage 6 morality is based on self-chosen, abstract principles (like justice, life, and inherent human worth) that are applied universally, overriding conflicting laws or policies.

A student sees a classmate cheating on a test. The student decides not to report it because, 'If I tell the teacher, my classmate will hate me, and I won't be popular anymore.' This justification demonstrates reasoning at which stage?

• Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

• Stage 4: Social System Maintenance

• Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

• Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment

Answer explanation

A student sees a classmate cheating on a test. The student decides not to report it because, 'If I tell the teacher, my classmate will hate me, and I won't be popular anymore.' This justification demonstrates reasoning at which stage?

Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

Stage 3 morality is centered on conforming to group norms and maintaining positive personal relationships, making the fear of social rejection the defining motive.

An employer lays off 10% of their staff to ensure the company remains profitable, stating, 'My primary duty is to the investors and to the financial stability of the company. Their economic security outweighs the temporary needs of a few employees.' This reflects a prioritization of duty that is most common in which stage?

• Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

• Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

• Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

• Stage 4: Social System and Conscience Maintenance

Answer explanation

An employer lays off 10% of their staff to ensure the company remains profitable, stating, 'My primary duty is to the investors and to the financial stability of the company. Their economic security outweighs the temporary needs of a few employees.' This reflects a prioritization of duty that is most common in which stage?

Stage 4: Social System and Conscience Maintenance

Stage 4 often involves prioritizing the formal, organizational duty (the system/company stability) and fulfilling the rigid, defined role requirements (duty to investors) over individual hardship.