Which orientation of moral development is defined by obeying rules to avoid punishment from those in authority?

Which orientation of moral development is defined by obeying rules to avoid punishment from those in authority?

• A. Punishment-Obedience Orientation
• B. Personal Reward Orientation
• C. Good Boy-Nice Girl Orientation
• D. Social Contract Orientation

Answer: (A)

This question targets how early moral reasoning operates when actions are guided primarily by fear of punishment and obedience to authority. The idea is that right and wrong are judged by whether rules are followed and whether disobedience leads to punishment from those in power. In this stage, the motive is to avoid negative consequences rather than to understand why a rule exists or consider fairness, rights, or long-term outcomes. Rules are viewed as fixed commands from authorities, and obedience is the sensible path to stay out of trouble. This is the Punishment-Obedience Orientation, the first stage in Kohlberg's framework of moral development. The other orientations don't fit this motive: Personal Reward Orientation centers on gaining rewards for oneself; Good Boy-Nice Girl Orientation focuses on seeking social approval; Social Contract Orientation emphasizes flexible rules and considering broader principles or rights.

This question targets how early moral reasoning operates when actions are guided primarily by fear of punishment and obedience to authority. The idea is that right and wrong are judged by whether rules are followed and whether disobedience leads to punishment from those in power. In this stage, the motive is to avoid negative consequences rather than to understand why a rule exists or consider fairness, rights, or long-term outcomes. Rules are viewed as fixed commands from authorities, and obedience is the sensible path to stay out of trouble. This is the Punishment-Obedience Orientation, the first stage in Kohlberg's framework of moral development.

The other orientations don't fit this motive: Personal Reward Orientation centers on gaining rewards for oneself; Good Boy-Nice Girl Orientation focuses on seeking social approval; Social Contract Orientation emphasizes flexible rules and considering broader principles or rights.