Which statement describes stage 4 of Kohlberg's theory?

Which statement describes stage 4 of Kohlberg's theory?

• A. Child recognizes that there is more than one right view.
• B. Adolescents choose to avoid a party where they know beer will be served.
• C. Individual wants to win approval and maintain the expectations of one's immediate group.
• D. Child shows respect for authority and maintains the social order.

Answer: (D)

Stage 4 centers on maintaining social order through respect for authority and obedience to laws. In this stage, people believe that rules and duties are essential for society to function, so following authorities and upholding laws is the right thing to do because it keeps everything running smoothly and safely. The statement about showing respect for authority and maintaining the social order exactly captures that law-and-order orientation. Other options describe different stages. Recognizing that there can be more than one right view aligns with later, more flexible moral reasoning; wanting to win approval from an immediate group reflects seeking interpersonal approval typical of a earlier, group-oriented stage; choosing to avoid a party where beer will be served speaks to personal decision-making or safety concerns but does not specifically convey the obedience-to-law and respect-for-authority aspect that defines stage 4.

Stage 4 centers on maintaining social order through respect for authority and obedience to laws. In this stage, people believe that rules and duties are essential for society to function, so following authorities and upholding laws is the right thing to do because it keeps everything running smoothly and safely. The statement about showing respect for authority and maintaining the social order exactly captures that law-and-order orientation.

Other options describe different stages. Recognizing that there can be more than one right view aligns with later, more flexible moral reasoning; wanting to win approval from an immediate group reflects seeking interpersonal approval typical of a earlier, group-oriented stage; choosing to avoid a party where beer will be served speaks to personal decision-making or safety concerns but does not specifically convey the obedience-to-law and respect-for-authority aspect that defines stage 4.