A child refrains from cheating on a test primarily because they fear being…
2026
A child refrains from cheating on a test primarily because they fear being caught and punished by the teacher. Which characteristic of moral development does this behavior best illustrate?
Answer: C. Obedience to avoid punishment in the pre-conventional stage — ConceptKohlberg classified moral reasoning by the basis used to judge right and wrong, not merely by the outward action. At the pre-conventional level,…
- A.
Desire to gain approval in the conventional stage
- B.
Following conscience in the post-conventional stage
- C.
Obedience to avoid punishment in the pre-conventional stage
- D.
Respect for rules in the conventional stage
Attempted by 20 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
Kohlberg classified moral reasoning by the basis used to judge right and wrong, not merely by the outward action.
At the pre-conventional level, decisions are guided mainly by direct personal consequences such as punishment or reward. Conventional reasoning instead emphasizes approval, rules, and social order, while post-conventional reasoning appeals to chosen ethical principles.
Application
The child avoids cheating because an authority may catch and punish them. The reason is therefore an immediate external consequence, which is the punishment-and-obedience orientation of the pre-conventional level.
Contrast
Desire for approval concerns social acceptance and interpersonal expectations within conventional reasoning.
Following conscience through self-chosen ethical principles belongs to post-conventional reasoning.
Obedience to avoid punishment focuses on consequences imposed by authority within pre-conventional reasoning.
Respect for rules emphasizes maintaining law and social order within conventional reasoning.
Result
The behavior illustrates obedience to avoid punishment in the pre-conventional stage.