Punishment and obedience orientation corresponds to which stage in Kohlberg's theory?

Punishment and obedience orientation corresponds to which stage in Kohlberg's theory?

• A. Stage 1
• B. Stage 2
• C. Stage 3
• D. Stage 4

Answer: (A)

In Kohlberg's theory, the punishment and obedience orientation is the first stage of moral development, placed in the preconventional level. Here morality is defined by avoiding punishment and obeying authority. A child evaluates actions by their immediate consequences rather than by intention or societal rules, seeing rules as fixed and external. They follow orders mainly to stay safe and avoid negative outcomes, not because they believe the action itself is right. This makes the first stage the best match, distinct from later stages that focus on personal gain (Stage 2), seeking social approval (Stage 3), or upholding laws and duties (Stage 4).

In Kohlberg's theory, the punishment and obedience orientation is the first stage of moral development, placed in the preconventional level. Here morality is defined by avoiding punishment and obeying authority. A child evaluates actions by their immediate consequences rather than by intention or societal rules, seeing rules as fixed and external. They follow orders mainly to stay safe and avoid negative outcomes, not because they believe the action itself is right. This makes the first stage the best match, distinct from later stages that focus on personal gain (Stage 2), seeking social approval (Stage 3), or upholding laws and duties (Stage 4).