Kohlberg stages

Preconventional level: Moral reasoning based on avoiding punishment or gaining rewards

Stage one and two

Conventional level: moral reasoning based on social approval and maintaining order

stage three and four

Postconventional level: moral reasoning based on abstract principles and universal ethics

stage five and six

stage one: obedience and punishment oreintation

Turns them in: I’d tell the teacher because if I don’t and they find out I knew I could get in trouble too

Does not run them in: I wouldn’t say anything because my friend might get mad at me or try to get in trouble

stage two: individualism and exchange

turn them in:I’d tell because its not fair-they got a better grade than me, and I worked hard. I deserve credit for doing the right thing

don’t: I wouldn’t tell bc my friend would owe me one, and maybe they’ll help me next time I need it

Stage three: good interpersonal relationships (good boy vs good girl)

Turns them in: I’d tell bc it’s the honest thing to do and good ppl don’t lie or cover up cheating

Don’t: I wouldn’t tell bc friends are supposed to be loyal and I don’t want ppl to think I’m a snitch

Stage four: maintaining social order (law and order orientation)

Turns: I’d report it bc cheating breaks the school rules and rules are there for a reason

Don’t: I wouldn’t tell unless the teacher directly asked me bc it’s the teachers job to enforce the rules not mine

Stage five: social contract and individual rights

Turns: I’d tell bc honesty keeps the grading system fair for everyone and fairness matters more than protecting one person

Don’t: I wouldn’t tell bc everyone deserves a chance to make mistakes and learn from them privately turning them in might harm them more than help

Stage six: universal ethical principles

Turns: I’d tell bc integrity is a core moral value truth and justice matters even if it costs me a friendship

Don’t: I wouldn’t bc I believe compassion is the higher moral law and I’d like to talk to my friend to help them take responsibility themselves