AP Psych- Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

How many levels and stages does Kohlberg’s stages of moral development have?

3 levels,

6 stages

What are the 3 levels?

Preconventional, Conventional, and Postconventional

What is stage 1?

Preconventional; Moral decisions are based on the consequences of the action,

“Will I be punished?”

What is stage 2?

Preconventional; Moral decisions are decided on the benefits derived from the action. In this stage, decisions are also made on the principle of reciprocity.

“Will I get what I want?”

“Does the victim deserve it?”

What is stage 3?

Conventional; Moral decisions are determined by evaluating the action in terms of love and approval of family and friends.

“Will my family or friends get mad at me?”

What is stage 4?

Conventional; Moral decisions are based on the precepts of law and/or religion

“Is it right according to the law?”

What is stage 5?

Postconventional; Moral decisions are based on fairness, justice, and truth. Oftentimes, civil law is superseded by a higher moral law as determined by conscience.

“Is there a higher good that can come from the action I do?”

What is stage 6?

Postconventional; Does it go against my moral, ethical, and basic human rights beliefs?

Preconventional characteristics

-“Will I be punished?”

-”Does the victim deserve it?”

Conventional characteristics

-”Will my family or friends get mad at me?”

-”Is it right according to the law or my religions?”

Postconventional characteristics

“Is there a higher good that can come from the action I do?”