Kohlberg's stages of moral development

Question 1

Preconventional

Answer 1

LevelPreconventional
Age0-9 years
StageObedience and punishment orientation
CharacteristicsFocus is on direct consequence of action
Level
Age
StageSelf-interest orientation
CharacteristicsRight behaviour defined purely by what is in the individual’s own interest

Question 2

Conventional

Answer 2

Age9-20 years
StageInterpersonal accord and conformity
CharacteristicsFocus is on how the individual will appear to others
Level
Age
StageAuthority and social order obedience driven
CharacteristicsWhat is lawful is judged to be morally right

Question 3

Post conventional

Answer 3

LevelPostconventional
Age20 and onwards
StageSocial contract orientation
CharacteristicsWhatever provides the greatest good for the greatest number of people is correct
Level
Age
StageUniversal ethical principles driven
CharacteristicsThe right action is the one that is consistent with abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles