When asked why he shouldn't steal a piece of gum from a convenience store, Simon, an eight-year-old child answers, "Because I might get taken to jail." This child is reasoning at Kohlberg's __________
A) preconventional level of moral reasoning.
B) conventional level of moral reasoning.
C) unconventional level of moral reasoning.
D) postconventional level of moral reasoning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The preconventional level of moral reasoning is characterized by a focus on avoiding punishment, which Simon demonstrates by citing the possibility of going to jail as a reason not to steal the gum.

When Asked Why He Shouldn't Steal a Piece of Gum