AP Psychology Unit 10: Kohlberg Stages of Moral Development

Lawerence Kohlberg

moral development, moral reasoning occurs withing 3 levels

-each level contains 2 stages

Preconventional level

level 1, (birth to adolesense) self center moral judgement based upon individual interests and learned behaviors

preconvential level focus

the individual/self

Punishment Obedience Orientation

♥ stage 1

- rules should be obeyed to avoid punishment

- acknowledging the existence of social rules

Instrumental-Exchanged Orientation

♥ stage 2

- rules are obeyed in anticipation of reward

- acceptance of social rules

conventional level

level 2, adolescence to young adult

- moral & ethical dilemmas

conventional level focus

the society/groups

altruism

a concern for others; generosity

Good Child Orientation

♥ stage 3

- rules and laws perecived

Law & Order Orientation

♥ stage 4

- laws are viewed as essential to perserve social order

- violations of law (even if intentions are good) lead to societal decay = chaos & anarchy

postconventional level

level 3, young adulthood & beyond

- rules & moral compass of right vs. wrong are largely influenced by essential human rights

postconventional level focus

universal humanity

Social Contract Orientation

♥ stage 5

- human nature is inherently designed to help other people

- rules & laws are to provide social welfare and civic protection

Universial-Ethics Orientation

♥ stage 6

- moral reasoning reflects universal/spiritual consciousness of right vs. wrong/good vs. evil