Kohlberg's theory of moral development
Kohlberg's
theory of moral development focuses on how individuals develop their sense of
morality and ethical behavior. The theory outlines six stages of moral
development, grouped into three main levels: Preconventional, Conventional, and
Postconventional. Each stage represents a progressively more advanced form of
moral reasoning.
Kohlberg's
theory is based on the idea that moral development progresses through a
predictable series of stages, with each level representing a more sophisticated
way of thinking about ethical problems and moral decisions. Kohlberg expanded
on Piaget’s work on cognitive development and identified six stages of moral
development, grouped into three main levels. These stages reflect how people
learn to make moral judgments and understand the rules and values that govern
society.
Kohlberg's Levels and Stages of Moral Development:
1.
Preconventional Level (Typically up
to age 9)
Focus:
Morality is based on external consequences, such as punishment or personal
gain.
Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation:- Morality is based on
avoiding punishment; rules are fixed and must be obeyed.
Ø Example
Thinking: "I must not hit my brother because I will get
in trouble."
Ø Description:
At this stage, children see rules as fixed and absolute. Obeying authority is
important because breaking the rules leads to punishment.
Ø Example
Behavior: A child may avoid taking a cookie from a jar because
they fear being scolded by their parents.
Ø Reasoning:
"If I don’t get caught, I didn’t do anything wrong."
Ø Moral
Focus: Avoiding punishment.
Stage
2: Self-Interest Orientation (Instrumental Relativist):- Actions
are based on self-interest and expected rewards.
Ø Example
Thinking: "I will do my chores if I get a treat."
Ø Description:
This stage emphasizes individual needs and rewards. A child (or adult) acts to
meet their own interests but may also recognize that others have needs, leading
to a "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" approach.
Ø Example
Behavior: Doing chores to earn money or treats.
Ø Reasoning:
"What’s in it for me?"
Ø Moral
Focus: Self-interest and reciprocation.
2.
Conventional Level (Adolescence to
adulthood)
Focus:
Individuals conform to the expectations of their social group and strive to
maintain social order.
Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity (Good Boy/Good Girl): -Behavior
is driven by social approval and living up to others' expectations.
Ø Example
Thinking: "I want to be a good student because my parents
and teachers expect it."
Ø Description:
The emphasis is on behaving in ways that gain the approval of others. Actions
are often judged by the intention behind them, such as trying to please others
and conform to social expectations.
Ø Example
Behavior: Being polite or helping others to be seen as a
"good person."
Ø Reasoning:
"I want to be liked and thought of as good."
Ø Moral
Focus: Approval and maintaining good interpersonal
relationships.
Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation:-
Morality is defined by following laws and maintaining social order.
Ø Example
Thinking: "It is wrong to steal because it is against the
law."
Ø Description:
At this stage, moral behavior is driven by a duty to uphold laws and rules to
maintain social order. Individuals believe that laws should be followed because
they are essential for a functioning society.
Ø Example
Behavior: Following traffic rules even when no one is
watching.
Ø Reasoning:
"I must respect laws and authorities, because they maintain order."
Ø Moral
Focus: Duty, law, and social order.
3.
Postconventional Level (Adulthood, if
achieved)
Focus:
Individuals at this level go beyond their own society’s rules to consider
abstract principles of justice and human rights.
Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation:- Moral reasoning is
based on social contracts and the greatest good for the greatest number of
people; laws can be changed for societal welfare.
Ø Example
Thinking: "I will speak out against this unfair law to
improve society."
Ø Description:
People view laws and rules as flexible and subject to change for the good of
society. They recognize that laws are based on a social contract and that some
laws may be unjust or need to change to benefit the majority.
Ø Example
Behavior: Advocating for laws that promote equality or civil
rights, even if it means breaking the current law.
Ø Reasoning:
"The greatest good for the greatest number."
Ø Moral
Focus: Social welfare, individual rights, and democracy.
Stage
6: Universal Ethical Principles:- Moral reasoning is
guided by abstract principles like justice, dignity, and equality, even if they
conflict with laws and rules.
Ø Example
Thinking: "I will oppose this injustice even if it means
breaking the law."
Ø Description:
This stage involves adhering to internalized principles of justice, even when
they conflict with laws and rules. Actions are guided by ethical principles
such as human rights, equality, and justice.
Ø Example
Behavior: Risking imprisonment to protest against human rights
violations.
Ø Reasoning:
"I will act according to my conscience and ethical principles."
Ø Moral
Focus: Universal justice, human rights, and self-chosen
ethical principles.
Important
Points of Kohlberg's Theory
Ø Progression
Through Stages: Individuals progress through these
stages sequentially; however, not everyone reaches the higher stages. Many
people remain in the conventional level.
Ø Moral
Reasoning vs. Behavior: The theory emphasizes the reasoning
behind moral decisions rather than the decisions themselves.
Ø Cultural
and Contextual Influences: Critics have noted that Kohlberg’s
model may be culturally biased and more reflective of Western, individualistic
values.
Assertion-Reason
Questions:
1. Assertion
(A):
Kohlberg’s stages of moral development emphasize reasoning over behavior.
Reason
(R):
Kohlberg believed that understanding the rationale behind moral decisions is
more important than the decision itself.
A)
Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B)
Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C)
A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D)
A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
A) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Assertion
(A):
In Stage 4 of Kohlberg's theory, individuals prioritize maintaining social
order and obeying laws.
Reason
(R):
This stage focuses on pleasing others and seeking social approval.
A)
Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B)
Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C)
A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D)
A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
3. Assertion
(A):
The postconventional level of Kohlberg’s moral development involves moral
reasoning that may conflict with established laws.
Reason
(R):
Individuals at this level adhere strictly to laws and rules without considering
the underlying ethical principles.
A)
Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B)
Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C)
A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D)
A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
4. Assertion
(A):
Kohlberg's theory has been criticized for being biased toward Western male
perspectives.
Reason
(R):
Kohlberg’s study primarily focused on American males, and some researchers
argue that it does not fully capture the moral reasoning of women or people
from other cultures.
A)
Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B)
Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C)
A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D)
A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
A) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
5. Assertion
(A):
Stage 2 of Kohlberg’s moral development emphasizes reciprocity and
self-interest.
Reason
(R):
At this stage, individuals act primarily out of a sense of duty to the broader
community.
A)
Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B)
Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C)
A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D)
A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
6. Assertion
(A):
Individuals at the "Good Boy/Good Girl" stage seek to meet societal
expectations to gain approval.
Reason
(R):
This stage is primarily driven by adhering strictly to the law, regardless of
the situation.
A)
Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B)
Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C)
A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D)
A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
7. Assertion
(A):
In Kohlberg's highest stage of moral development, universal ethical principles
guide moral reasoning.
Reason
(R):
Individuals make decisions based on societal laws and norms to maintain social
stability.
A)
Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B)
Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C)
A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D)
A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
8. Assertion
(A):
The preconventional level of Kohlberg’s theory is often seen in children.
Reason
(R):
This level focuses on adhering to universal ethical principles, even at
personal cost.
A)
Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B)
Both A and R are correct, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C)
A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D)
A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Answer:
C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
Multiple
Choice Questions (MCQ):
1.
At which stage of Kohlberg's moral
development theory is behavior primarily guided by the desire to avoid
punishment?
a. Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
b. Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
c. Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation
d. Stage
6: Universal Ethical Principles
Answer:
A) Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
2.
Which stage involves seeking social
approval and acting to maintain good relationships?
a. Stage
2: Self-Interest Orientation
b. Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
c. Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
d. Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation
Answer:
B) Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
3.
An individual who challenges a law they
perceive as unjust is most likely reasoning at which level of Kohlberg's
theory?
a. Preconventional
b. Conventional
c. Postconventional
d. None
of the above
Answer:
C) Postconventional
4.
According to Kohlberg, laws should be
obeyed to maintain social order is a characteristic of which stage?
a. Stage
2
b. Stage
4
c. Stage
5
d. Stage
6
Answer:
B) Stage 4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
5.
According to Kohlberg’s theory, which of
the following best describes the focus of individuals at the conventional
level?
a. Personal
gain and avoiding punishment
b. Upholding
laws and seeking social approval
c. Breaking
laws to demonstrate personal values
d. Pursuing
justice and equality
Answer:
B) Upholding laws and seeking social approval
6.
Which stage of Kohlberg’s moral
development is characterized by the belief that laws are social contracts and
can be changed to benefit society?
a. Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
b. Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
c. Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation
d. Stage
6: Universal Ethical Principles
Answer:
C) Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
7.
In the preconventional level of moral
development, what primarily influences the moral decisions of an individual?
a. Internalized
principles of justice
b. Desire
to be accepted by society
c. Fear
of punishment or desire for rewards
d. Respect
for laws and rules of society
Answer:
C) Fear of punishment or desire for rewards
8.
A student refuses to cheat on a test
because they believe it would hurt their reputation as an honest person. Which
stage of Kohlberg's theory does this represent?
a. Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
b. Stage
2: Self-Interest Orientation
c. Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
d. Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
Answer:
C) Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
9.
In which stage would an individual argue
that breaking a law is justified if it protects human rights and preserves
justice?
a. Stage
2: Self-Interest Orientation
b. Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
c. Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation
d. Stage
6: Universal Ethical Principles
Answer:
D) Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles
10.
A child helps their friend with homework
because they expect the friend to help them in return. This behavior is best
described by which stage?
a. Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
b. Stage
2: Self-Interest Orientation
c. Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
d. Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
Answer:
B) Stage 2: Self-Interest Orientation
11.
Which of the following scenarios best
illustrates the "Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation"
stage?
a. A
student donates to charity because they want recognition from their classmates.
b. A
person refuses to lie because it is against their religious beliefs.
c. An
individual reports a theft because it is their duty to uphold the law.
d. A
child avoids touching a hot stove because they were punished for it previously.
Answer:
C) An individual reports a theft because it is their duty to uphold the law.
12.
In which level of moral development do
individuals begin to consider principles like justice and human rights, even if
it means breaking established rules?
a. Preconventional
Level
b. Conventional
Level
c. Postconventional
Level
d. None
of the above
Answer:
C) Postconventional Level
13.
A teenager follows school rules and
respects their teachers because they believe it is their responsibility to
contribute to a well-ordered community. Which stage is this behavior
characteristic of?
a. Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
b. Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
c. Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
d. Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation
Answer:
C) Stage 4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
14.
Which of the following best represents
moral reasoning at the "Universal Ethical Principles" stage?
a. Doing
a good deed to earn a reward.
b. Following
rules to avoid being punished.
c. Challenging
an unjust government law to promote human rights.
d. Obeying
the law to maintain social order.
Answer:
C) Challenging an unjust government law to promote human rights.
15.
At which level of Kohlberg’s theory do
people obey rules to avoid punishment?
A) Preconventional
B) Conventional
C) Postconventional
D) None
of the above
Answer:
A) Preconventional
16.
Which of the following best describes the
focus of the "Good Boy/Good Girl" stage?
A) Avoiding
punishment
B) Upholding
social norms to gain approval
C) Making
decisions based on ethical principles
D) Acting
out of self-interest
Answer:
B) Upholding social norms to gain approval
17.
At what stage do individuals see laws as
social contracts that can be changed for the common good?
A) Stage
2
B) Stage
4
C) Stage
5
D) Stage
6
Answer:
C) Stage 5
18.
The belief that everyone must follow the
law to maintain social order is characteristic of which stage?
A) Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
B) Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
C) Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
D) Stage
6: Universal Ethical Principles
Answer:
B) Stage 4
19.
At which level of moral reasoning does an
individual prioritize ethical principles over laws?
A) Preconventional
B) Conventional
C) Postconventional
D) None
of the above
Answer:
C) Postconventional
20.
Which of the following is NOT part of
Kohlberg’s moral stages?
A) Self-Interest
Orientation
B) Social
Contract Orientation
C) Religious
Obedience Orientation
D) Universal
Ethical Principles
\Answer:
C) Religious Obedience Orientation
21.
According to Kohlberg, moral reasoning in
young children is typically based on:
A) Avoiding
punishment and seeking rewards
B) Maintaining
laws and social order
C) Upholding
universal ethical principles
D) Gaining
approval from peers
Answer:
A) Avoiding punishment and seeking rewards
22.
Which of the following best describes the
reasoning in Stage 2?
A) Actions
are judged by how they conform to laws.
B) Decisions
are made to serve one’s own interests.
C) Moral
principles guide behavior.
D) Actions
are taken to gain social approval.
Answer:
B) Decisions are made to serve one’s own interests.
23.
What is the focus of Stage 6 in Kohlberg’s
theory?
A) Social
approval
B) Legal
duties
C) Universal
ethical principles
D) Personal
gain
Answer:
C) Universal ethical principles
24.
In the conventional level, the main
concern is:
A) Avoiding
punishment
B) Obeying
laws and fulfilling social roles
C) Gaining
self-benefit
D) Upholding
personal values
Answer:
B) Obeying laws and fulfilling social roles
25.
A child chooses not to steal because they
fear getting caught and punished. This behavior aligns with:
A) Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
B) Stage
2: Self-Interest Orientation
C) Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
D) Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
Answer:
A) Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
26.
An adult follows a law because they
believe laws are necessary for society's stability. Which stage describes this?
A) Stage
2: Self-Interest Orientation
B) Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
C) Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
D) Stage
6: Universal Ethical Principles
Answer:
C) Stage 4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
27.
A teenager refuses to lie to their parents
because they want to be seen as trustworthy. Which stage applies?
A) Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
B) Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
C) Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation
D) Stage
6: Universal Ethical Principles
Answer:
B) Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
28.
A protestor breaks a law to highlight an
injustice, believing it violates human rights. This represents:
A) Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
B) Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
C) Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation
D) Stage
6: Universal Ethical Principles
Answer:
D) Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles
29.
Which level of Kohlberg’s theory would
best describe someone who abides by rules only for self-benefit?
A) Preconventional
B) Conventional
C) Postconventional
D) None
of the above
Answer:
A) Preconventional
30.
Which of the following is a common
criticism of Kohlberg’s theory?
A) It
focuses only on adult moral development.
B) It
does not account for cultural differences in moral reasoning.
C) It
only explains female moral development.
D) It
avoids discussing moral dilemmas.
Answer:
B) It does not account for cultural differences in moral reasoning.
31.
According to Kohlberg, people can regress
to earlier stages of moral development.
A) True
B) False
Answer:
B) False
32.
Kohlberg’s theory is based on:
A) Observations
of children’s moral behavior
B) Responses
to hypothetical moral dilemmas
C) Religious
doctrines on morality
D) Economic
theories of behavior
Answer:
B) Responses to hypothetical moral dilemmas
33.
Carol Gilligan criticized Kohlberg’s
theory for its:
A) Emphasis
on universal principles
B) Lack
of focus on legal rules
C) Gender
bias, favoring male patterns of moral reasoning
D) Complexity
and lack of stages
Answer:
C) Gender bias, favoring male patterns of moral reasoning
34.
Kohlberg’s moral stages are best described
as:
A) Independent
and unrelated stages
B) Culturally
specific
C) Hierarchical,
building on each other
D) Primarily
focused on emotions
Answer:
C) Hierarchical, building on each other
35.
A person follows the law because they
believe it is their duty to maintain social stability. This describes:
A) Preconventional
morality
B) Conventional
morality
C) Postconventional
morality
D) Amoral
behavior
Answer:
B) Conventional morality
36.
Someone decides not to litter because they
care about protecting the environment for future generations. This is an
example of:
A) Stage
2: Self-Interest Orientation
B) Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
C) Stage
5: Social Contract Orientation
D) Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Answer:
C) Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
37.
What is the main focus of Kohlberg’s
theory of moral development?
A) Social
norms and laws
B) Personal
gain and rewards
C) Development
of moral reasoning and justice
D) Cultural
values
Answer:
C) Development of moral reasoning and justice
38.
Who was Kohlberg's theory primarily based
on and expanded from?
A) Sigmund
Freud
B) Jean
Piaget
C) Erik
Erikson
D) Carl
Jung
Answer:
B) Jean Piaget
39.
Kohlberg's theory outlines how many stages
of moral development?
A) Three
B) Four
C) Five
D) Six
Answer:
D) Six
40.
The moral reasoning in Kohlberg’s Stage 1
primarily focuses on:
A) Social
approval
B) Avoiding
punishment
C) Upholding
laws
D) Ethical
principles
Answer:
B) Avoiding punishment
41.
At which level does moral reasoning focus
on upholding laws and social order?
A) Preconventional
B) Conventional
C) Postconventional
D) None
of the above
Answer:
B) Conventional
42.
Kohlberg’s theory includes how many levels
of moral development?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five
Answer:
B) Three
43.
The Preconventional Level is typically
observed in:
A) Adults
B) Adolescents
C) Children
up to age 9
D) Elderly
individuals
Answer:
C) Children up to age 9
44.
Stage 2 of Kohlberg’s theory is known as:
A) Obedience
and Punishment Orientation
B) Self-Interest
Orientation (Individualism and Exchange)
C) Good
Interpersonal Relationships
D) Maintaining
Social Order
Answer:
B) Self-Interest Orientation (Individualism and Exchange)
45.
Which stage emphasizes "good boy-good
girl" orientation?
A) Stage
1
B) Stage
3
C) Stage
4
D) Stage
5
Answer:
B) Stage 3
46.
Stage 4 of Kohlberg's theory focuses on:
A) Following
universal ethical principles
B) Reciprocity
and fairness
C) Maintaining
law and social order
D) Seeking
personal rewards
Answer:
C) Maintaining law and social order
47.
A child avoids hitting their sibling to
avoid being punished. This aligns with which stage?
A) Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
B) Stage
2: Individualism and Exchange
C) Stage
3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
D) Stage
4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation
Answer:
A) Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
48.
In the Heinz dilemma, which stage
justifies stealing the drug to save a life because of ethical principles?
A) Stage
4
B) Stage
5
C) Stage
6
D) Stage
2
Answer:
C) Stage 6
49.
A teenager decides not to cheat on a test
because they want to be seen as honest. This behavior reflects:
A) Stage
2
B) Stage
3
C) Stage
4
D) Stage
5
Answer:
B) Stage 3
50.
A person refuses to break a law because
laws are needed to maintain order. This is an example of:
A) Stage
1
B) Stage
3
C) Stage
4
D) Stage
6
Answer:
C) Stage 4
51.
At which level do people develop an
understanding of abstract principles of morality?
A) Preconventional
B) Conventional
C) Postconventional
D) None
of the above
Answer:
C) Postconventional
52.
A common criticism of Kohlberg’s theory is
that it:
A) Is
gender-biased towards males
B) Focuses
too much on emotions
C) Ignores
cognitive development
D) Only
applies to Western cultures
Answer:
A) Is gender-biased towards males
53.
Kohlberg’s theory has been criticized for
overemphasizing:
A) Cultural
diversity
B) Care
and compassion
C) Justice
and rationality
D) Intuition
Answer:
C) Justice and rationality
54.
Carol Gilligan’s main critique of
Kohlberg's theory centered on its:
A) Age
bias
B) Lack
of relevance to adults
C) Failure
to address compassion and care
D) Focus
on religious values
Answer:
C) Failure to address compassion and care
55.
Kohlberg’s subjects were primarily:
A) Male
B) Female
C) From
various countries
D) Adults
over 50 years old
Answer:
A) Male
56.
Kohlberg’s moral dilemmas, such as the
Heinz dilemma, are criticized for being:
A) Easy
to solve
B) Culturally
biased
C) Gender-neutral
D) Applicable
only to young children
Answer:
B) Culturally biased
57.
In the Preconventional Level, a person’s
decisions are based primarily on:
A) Conformity
and social norms
B) Avoidance
of punishment and personal rewards
C) Ethical
principles
D) Law
and social order
Answer:
B) Avoidance of punishment and personal rewards
58.
A person who challenges unjust laws to
promote human rights is reasoning at which stage?
A) Stage
3
B) Stage
4
C) Stage
5
D) Stage
6
Answer:
D) Stage 6
59.
Which of the following best represents
Kohlberg’s Stage 5 reasoning?
A) Obeying
rules to gain rewards
B) Upholding
universal laws regardless of individual circumstances
C) Challenging
rules to protect individual rights and social contracts
D) Seeking
approval from authority figures
Answer:
C) Challenging rules to protect individual rights and social contracts
60.
At which stage does a person consider
individual needs and exchange as part of moral reasoning?
A) Stage
1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
B) Stage
2: Individualism and Exchange
C) Stage
3: Good Interpersonal Relationships
D) Stage
4: Maintaining Social Order
Answer:
B) Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
61.
A teacher encourages students to set their
own classroom rules, helping them understand the reasons behind the rules. This
approach supports which stages?
A) Stages
1 and 2
B) Stages
3 and 4
C) Stages
5 and 6
D) Stages
4 and 5
Answer:
B) Stages 3 and 4
62.
Which level of Kohlberg’s theory is the
rarest for people to achieve?
A) Preconventional
B) Conventional
C) Postconventional
D) None
of the above
Answer:
C) Postconventional
63.
In Kohlberg’s theory, moral development is
considered:
A) Static
and unchanging
B) A
continuous process throughout life
C) Completed
by adolescence
D) Focused
solely on childhood
Answer:
B) A continuous process throughout life
64.
What is the primary focus of moral
reasoning at the Postconventional Level?
A) Social
norms and laws
B) Self-interest
and rewards
C) Abstract
principles and justice
D) Parental
expectations
Answer:
C) Abstract principles and justice
65.
Which of the following would be a
justification at Stage 4 (Maintaining Social Order)?
A) “I
should do this because it benefits me.”
B) “I
must obey this law to maintain order in society.”
C) “Breaking
this law is okay if it promotes human rights.”
D) “I
will do this because my friends expect it.”
Answer:
B) “I must obey this law to maintain order in society.”
66.
According to Kohlberg, what is the main
goal of moral reasoning?
A) Gaining
rewards
B) Achieving
social approval
C) Upholding
justice and ethical principles
D) Obeying
authority figures
Answer:
C) Upholding justice and ethical principles
67.
Critics argue that Kohlberg’s theory
overemphasizes which concept?
A) Care
and compassion
B) Justice
C) Group
loyalty
D) Religious
teachings
Answer:
B) Justice
68.
Which psychologist criticized Kohlberg’s
theory for being gender-biased?
A) Jean
Piaget
B) Carol
Gilligan
C) Erik
Erikson
D) Sigmund
Freud
Answer:
B) Carol Gilligan
69.
Carol Gilligan’s critique was based on
Kohlberg’s emphasis on:
A) Justice
rather than care and interpersonal relationships
B) Universal
stages of development
C) Cultural
differences
D) Emotions
over logic
Answer:
A) Justice rather than care and interpersonal relationships
70.
Which stage would be less relevant for a
person living in a collectivist culture, according to some critics?
A) Stage
1
B) Stage
2
C) Stage
5
D) Stage
4
Answer:
C) Stage 5
71.
In the context of moral development, which
term best describes Kohlberg’s belief that reasoning can be influenced by
social experiences?
A) Cultural
determinism
B) Moral
flexibility
C) Cognitive
development
D) Socialization
Answer:
C) Cognitive development
72.
A person donates to charity anonymously
because it is the right thing to do, not for recognition. This reflects which
stage?
A) Stage
3
B) Stage
4
C) Stage
5
D) Stage
6
Answer:
D) Stage 6
73.
A child believes that stealing is wrong
because they will be punished. This demonstrates:
A) Conventional
reasoning
B) Preconventional
reasoning
C) Postconventional
reasoning
D) None
of the above
Answer:
B) Preconventional reasoning
74.
Someone votes for a law that helps
everyone, even if it contradicts their own interests. This represents:
A) Stage
1
B) Stage
3
C) Stage
5
D) Stage
2
Answer:
C) Stage 5
75.
An individual respects laws because they
believe laws are necessary to avoid chaos. This illustrates:
A) Stage
4: Maintaining Social Order
B) Stage
5: Social Contract and Individual Rights
C) Stage
3: Good Interpersonal Relationships
D) Stage
6: Universal Principles
Answer:
A) Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
76.
Which of these represents reasoning in
Stage 3?
A) “I
follow this rule because everyone else does.”
B) “I
will help others only if they help me.”
C) “I
obey because it prevents punishment.”
D) “I
will not act unless it benefits society.”
Answer:
A) “I follow this rule because everyone else does.”
77.
Moral development in Kohlberg’s theory is
primarily assessed through:
A) Observations
of behavior in everyday life
B) Interviews
on responses to hypothetical moral dilemmas
C) Tests
of memory and cognition
D) Personality
questionnaires
Answer:
B) Interviews on responses to hypothetical moral dilemmas
78.
Which level focuses on social roles and
group norms?
A) Preconventional
B) Conventional
C) Postconventional
D) None
of the above
Answer:
B) Conventional
79.
A person argues against a law they believe
is morally unjust and cites universal ethical principles. This represents:
A) Stage
2
B) Stage
4
C) Stage
6
D) Stage
5
Answer:
C) Stage 6
80.
At the Postconventional Level, individuals
typically base their moral reasoning on:
A) Avoiding
punishment
B) Social
norms and expectations
C) Principles
of justice and human rights
D) Gaining
rewards
Answer:
C) Principles of justice and human rights
81.
The Heinz dilemma was used by Kohlberg to
assess:
A) Compliance
with laws
B) Ethical
reasoning behind decisions
C) Care
and compassion in relationships
D) Conformity
to authority
Answer:
B) Ethical reasoning behind decisions
82.
Which concept is overemphasized in
Kohlberg’s theory according to some critics?
A) Fairness
B) Obedience
C) Justice
D) Empathy
Answer:
C) Justice
83.
Kohlberg believed not everyone achieves
the highest stages of moral development. This is most evident in:
A) Stage
4
B) Stage
2
C) Stage
6
D) Stage
1
Answer:
C) Stage 6
84.
Cultural differences are a major point of
criticism for Kohlberg’s theory because it:
A) Only
applies to Western societies
B) Focuses
on childhood development
C) Does
not allow for social experiences
D) Emphasizes
care over justice
Answer:
A) Only applies to Western societies
85.
Which of the following is a stage within
the Postconventional Level?
A) Obedience
and Punishment
B) Good
Interpersonal Relationships
C) Social
Contract and Individual Rights
D) Maintaining
Social Order
Answer:
C) Social Contract and Individual Rights
86.
Which stage would emphasize doing good to
be perceived as a good person by others?
A) Stage
1
B) Stage
3
C) Stage
5
D) Stage
6
Answer:
B) Stage 3