Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Question 1

Elementary school level (before age 9)

Answer 1

Preconventional

Question 2

Child obeys and authority figure out of fear of punishment. Obedience/punishment.

Answer 2

Stage 1
Preconventional

Question 3

Child acts acceptably as it is in her or his best interests. Conforms to rules to receive rewards.

Answer 3

Stage 2
Preconventional

Question 4

Early adolescence

Answer 4

Conventional

Question 5

Person acts to gain approval from others. “Good boy / good girl” orientation

Answer 5

Stage 3
Conventional

Question 6

Obeys laws and fulfills obligations and duties to maintain social system. Rules are rules. Avoids censure and guilt

Answer 6

Stage 4
Conventional

Question 7

Adult

Answer 7

Postconventional (this level is not reached by most adults)

Question 8

Genuine interest in welfare of others; concerned with individual rights and being morally right.

Answer 8

Postconventional
Stage 5

Question 9

Guided by individual principles based on broad, universal ethical principles. Concern for larger universal issues of morality.

Answer 9

Postconventional
Stage 6