Question

Preconventional morality involves: O A. an emphasis on reward and punishment. OB. the careful consideration of all options. OC. an emphasis on laws and social order OD. trying to gain the approval of others. Reset Selection

Answer 1

The answer is option A : An emphasis on reward and punishment .

Pre-conventional morality

The pre- conventional morality is the first level in the Kohlberg's (a cognitive developmental psychologist) Stages of Moral Development. There are three levels of moral development, includes pre-conventional morality, conventional morality and post- conventional morality. There are two stages in this level.

The first stage/ Obedience and Punishment Orientation is common in children, and sometimes in teens. During the pre-conventional morality level, a child's sense of morality is externally controlled. Children accept and believe the rules of authority figures, such as parents and teachers, and they judge an action based on its consequences. That means, it is punishment avoidance and obedience. In other words, they will follow it because of a fear of punishment. Someone will follow a rule because their parents, teachers, or other authority figures. They may not know why the behaviour is wrong, but they avoid it because of punishment.

The second Stage/ Individualism and Exchange involves exchange of favours. In this stage, a person learns that everyone has a need which they need to fulfil. During this stage they recognize that you can satisfy the needs of someone and get a favour or reward back. For them, right and wrong are still consequences, but they are learning to help others only if they help themselves.

Second option: The careful considerations of all options

This option is related to the third level of moral development, which is post- conventional morality.

In this, the person begins to recognize that rules are just agreements that people have made about what is right and wrong and it’s a mechanism that keeps the order of the society going and keeps the peace. They begin to realize that rules are flexible. A person at this age has probably seen a few laws change or be implemented. Since they understand the law, they select their options carefully.

Third option: An emphasis on laws and social order

This option is related to the second level of moral development, conventional morality.

This involves in stage 4, maintaining the Social Order. The child/individual becomes aware of the wider rules of society, so judgments concern obeying the rules in order to uphold the law and to avoid guilt. A person follows society in order to find the rules they need to live by. The person in this stage realizes that society has laws they need to follow, and a person may believe that they must obey all of them.

Fourth option: Trying to gain the approval of others

This option is related to the second level of moral development, conventional morality (stage three)

Stage three/ Good Interpersonal Relationships. It is known as good boy or girl; it's all about making the decisions that will be able to please other people. The child/individual is good in order to be seen as being a good person by others. Therefore, answers relate to the approval of others.