Question 1

Karen thinks she should go out with Blane, an unattractive, social misfit, because "If I don't go out with him, people will think I'm really mean." Karen is most likely in Kohlberg's ____ level of moral reasoning.
A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) unconventional

Accepted Answer

In the conventional level of moral reasoning, individuals evaluate their actions based on the societal norms and expectations. Karen's reasoning is based on the fear of being perceived as mean by society, indicating that she is in the conventional level of moral reasoning.

Question 2

Postconventional moral thinking is characterized by judgments made according to a(n)
A) personal code of behavior.
B) set of society's laws.
C) list of parental "do's and dont's."
D) egocentric self-schema.

Accepted Answer

Postconventional moral thinking goes beyond societal and parental rules and is guided by an individual's personal code of behavior. It involves weighing the potential outcomes and consequences of a decision and making a judgment based on one's own ethical principles. Therefore, personal code of behavior is the correct choice.

Question 3

When considering the issue of euthanasia, Wendell says, "I know that killing is wrong, but I believe that compassion is sometimes more important than the law." This statement suggests that Wendell is thinking at Kohlberg's ____ level.
A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) unconventional

Accepted Answer

Wendell's statement reflects that he is considering the conflict between the law (which prohibits killing) and compassion (which urges him to alleviate someone's suffering), and he believes that compassion should take priority over the law in certain circumstances. This shows that he is thinking at a postconventional level, which is concerned with broader principles of justice and rights that may conflict with specific laws or societal norms.

Question 4

Morality based on adherence to societal law and order is best associated with Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral thinking.
A) second
B) third
C) fourth
D) fifth

Accepted Answer

Kohlberg's fourth stage of moral thinking is the "law and order" stage, where individuals base their morality on following societal laws and maintaining order. This stage is typically seen in early adolescence and is characterized by a respect for authority and a desire to maintain the social order, even if it means personal sacrifice.

Question 5

When discussing the Heinz dilemma, Travis says, "I wouldn't steal the drug because I would not want anyone thinking of me as a thief." This type of logic best fits with Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral reasoning.
A) first
B) second
C) third
D) fourth

Accepted Answer

This statement shows concern for the opinions of others and a desire to be seen as a good person, which is characteristic of Kohlberg's third stage of moral reasoning, the conventional level. In this stage, individuals rely on societal norms and the opinions of others to determine right from wrong.

Question 6

When considering the Heinz dilemma, Barney says that he would steal the drug because then his wife might bake him a cake to repay him for saving her. This thinking indicates that Barney is most likely in Kohlberg's _____ stage of moral development.
A) second
B) third
C) fourth
D) fifth

Accepted Answer

Barney's reasoning is based on a personal reward (getting a cake), which aligns with Kohlberg's second stage of moral development, known as the "individualism and exchange" stage. In this stage, right actions are those that serve individual needs.

Question 7

When discussing the Heinz dilemma, Nancy says, "I would steal the drug, because when they marry, a husband promises to love, cherish, and protect his wife until death do they part. Thus, it is his social responsibility to steal the drug to help his wife." This type of response best fits with the ____ stage in Kohlberg's model of moral development.
A) second
B) third
C) fourth
D) fifth

Accepted Answer

Nancy's response reflects the fourth stage of moral development in Kohlberg's model, which is the law and order stage. In this stage, individuals believe in maintaining social order by following the laws and societal rules that reflect the greater good. Nancy's belief that stealing the drug is a social responsibility aligns with this stage, as she sees it as upholding her duty to protect her spouse's life and well-being.

Question 8

Jackson's statement, "My moral compass is based on the simple premise that one must always adhere to social norms" indicates that he is operating at the ____ level of moral reasoning.
A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) unconventional

Accepted Answer

The statement reflects adherence to social norms, which is a characteristic of conventional morality. The preconventional level of moral reasoning is focused on rewards and punishments, while the postconventional level is guided by abstract ethical principles. The term "unconventional" is not a recognized level in moral reasoning theory.

Question 9

Moral reasoning based on social contracts is best identified with Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral reasoning.
A) third
B) fourth
C) fifth
D) sixth

Accepted Answer

Social contract reasoning involves identifying agreed upon rules and obligations among members of society, and recognizing that these rules may need to be revised or adapted over time based on changing circumstances. This aligns with Kohlberg's fifth stage of moral reasoning, which emphasizes a recognition of social contracts and a commitment to principles of justice and fairness.

Question 10

In Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral development, principles like compassion and justice come to underlie moral decision making.
A) third
B) fourth
C) fifth
D) sixth

Accepted Answer

In Kohlberg's sixth stage of moral development, universal principles such as justice, dignity, and equality form the basis of moral reasoning. Individuals at this stage follow these principles, even if they conflict with laws and rules.

Question 11

When considering whether or not to be nice to a classmate, Nora says, "If I am nice to Jones, he might give me his cookie at lunch." This type of logic best exemplifies thinking at Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral reasoning.
A) first
B) second
C) third
D) fourth

Accepted Answer

This reasoning reflects Kohlberg's second stage of moral reasoning, which is driven by a desire to serve one's own needs and gain rewards. In this stage, individuals make moral decisions based on self-interest and believe that others will do the same.

Question 12

According to Kohlberg's model of moral reasoning,
A) morality based on obedience to authority is superior to that based on living up to expectations of others.
B) morality based on living up to others' expectations is superior to that based on adherence to a valid social contract.
C) morality based on following rules to maintain social order is superior to that based on nice behaviors being exchanged for future favors.
D) morality based on following rules to maintain social order is superior to that based on a personal moral system reliant on abstract principles.

Accepted Answer

Kohlberg's model of moral reasoning suggests that morality evolves through stages, where earlier stages are considered less advanced than later ones. Stage 3 involves good interpersonal relationships and living up to others' expectations, while Stage 4 involves maintaining social order through rule following. Kohlberg does not argue that one form of morality is inherently superior to another; rather, his stages reflect a progression in the complexity and abstraction of moral reasoning. Choice C incorrectly suggests a hierarchy that does not align with Kohlberg's theory, making it the correct answer because the question seems to ask for the statement that is not true according to Kohlberg's model.

Question 13

When Nicholas and Sanjay are debating whether or not to steal a cool car they just found, Nicholas says, "It's wrong to steal the car because there are laws against stealing, and no one is above the law." This type of thinking best fits with Kohlberg's _____ level of moral thinking.
A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) unconventional

Accepted Answer

Nicholas's reasoning is based on the idea of following laws and rules, which is a characteristic of the conventional level of moral thinking in Kohlberg's theory. At this level, individuals value conformity to social norms and laws as a way of maintaining the social order.

Question 14

When discussing the Heinz dilemma, a decision based on ____ would indicate that a person is at the instrumental orientation stage of moral reasoning.
A) current laws concerning stealing
B) a universal moral code
C) obedience to an authority figure
D) how stealing the drug might create inconveniences to one's self

Accepted Answer

The instrumental orientation stage of moral reasoning is characterized by decisions based on self-interest and the potential consequences of actions for oneself. Choosing based on how stealing the drug might create inconveniences to oneself reflects this self-centered approach to decision-making. Choices A, B, and C indicate a more advanced level of moral reasoning that considers societal norms, universal ethical principles, and respect for authority figures, respectively.

Question 15

Which of Kohlberg's levels places the greatest emphasis on morality as a function of the expectations others hold toward you?
A) Preconventional
B) Conventional
C) Postconventional
D) Unconventional

Accepted Answer

The Conventional level of Kohlberg's theory of moral development emphasizes following social norms and rules in order to gain approval and avoid disapproval from others. This involves the prominence of moral behavior as a function of the expectations and opinions of others.

Question 16

The story of Oskar Schindler provides an interesting personal example of moral development. In Schindler's case, his change in motivation from one of profit to one of saving lives represents a change that Kohlberg would say moves from ____ thinking to ____ thinking.
A) preconventional; conventional
B) preconventional; postconventional
C) postconventional; conventional
D) postconventional; preconventional

Accepted Answer

Kohlberg's theory of moral development suggests that moving from a motivation based on personal gain (preconventional) to one focused on ethical principles and the welfare of others (postconventional) represents a higher level of moral reasoning. Schindler's transition reflects this shift from self-interest to principled action.

Question 17

When considering the Heinz dilemma, Jefferson says, "You cannot justify theft, because if you do, it will lead to social anarchy." This statement best matches the logic of someone at Kohlberg's ____ level of moral development.
A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) unconventional

Accepted Answer

The answer of When considering the Heinz dilemma, Jefferson says,...

Question 18

According to Kohlberg, abstract notions of justice or equity are examples of
A) preconventional thought.
B) social norms.
C) universal ethical principles.
D) social contracts.

Accepted Answer

According to Kohlberg's stages of moral development, the highest level of moral reasoning is characterized by adherence to a set of universal ethical principles that promote justice and equity, regardless of social norms or personal interests. Therefore, abstract notions of justice or equity are examples of universal ethical principles, which fall under stage six of Kohlberg's theory.

Question 19

The phrase "good girl and good boy" is best associated with Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral thinking.
A) first
B) second
C) third
D) fourth

Accepted Answer

Kohlberg's third stage of moral thinking is called the conventional level. During this stage, individuals adhere to social norms and rules in order to be seen as a "good girl" or "good boy" by others. They seek approval and avoid disapproval, and they understand that there are agreed-upon standards for behavior within their social groups. This is best reflected in the phrase "good girl and good boy."

Question 20

Social system morality is the focus of one of the stages of Kohlberg's ____ level of moral reasoning.
A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) unconventional

Accepted Answer

The answer of Social system morality is the focus of...

Quiz 8: Rites of Passage: Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence

Karen thinks she should go out with Blane, an unattractive, social misfit, because "If I don't go out with him, people will think I'm really mean." Karen is most likely in Kohlberg's ____ level of moral reasoning.

Postconventional moral thinking is characterized by judgments made according to a(n)

When considering the issue of euthanasia, Wendell says, "I know that killing is wrong, but I believe that compassion is sometimes more important than the law." This statement suggests that Wendell is thinking at Kohlberg's ____ level.

Morality based on adherence to societal law and order is best associated with Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral thinking.

When discussing the Heinz dilemma, Travis says, "I wouldn't steal the drug because I would not want anyone thinking of me as a thief." This type of logic best fits with Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral reasoning.

When considering the Heinz dilemma, Barney says that he would steal the drug because then his wife might bake him a cake to repay him for saving her. This thinking indicates that Barney is most likely in Kohlberg's _____ stage of moral development.

Jackson's statement, "My moral compass is based on the simple premise that one must always adhere to social norms" indicates that he is operating at the ____ level of moral reasoning.

Moral reasoning based on social contracts is best identified with Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral reasoning.

In Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral development, principles like compassion and justice come to underlie moral decision making.

When considering whether or not to be nice to a classmate, Nora says, "If I am nice to Jones, he might give me his cookie at lunch." This type of logic best exemplifies thinking at Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral reasoning.

According to Kohlberg's model of moral reasoning,

When Nicholas and Sanjay are debating whether or not to steal a cool car they just found, Nicholas says, "It's wrong to steal the car because there are laws against stealing, and no one is above the law." This type of thinking best fits with Kohlberg's _____ level of moral thinking.

When discussing the Heinz dilemma, a decision based on ____ would indicate that a person is at the instrumental orientation stage of moral reasoning.

Which of Kohlberg's levels places the greatest emphasis on morality as a function of the expectations others hold toward you?

The story of Oskar Schindler provides an interesting personal example of moral development. In Schindler's case, his change in motivation from one of profit to one of saving lives represents a change that Kohlberg would say moves from thinking to thinking.

When considering the Heinz dilemma, Jefferson says, "You cannot justify theft, because if you do, it will lead to social anarchy." This statement best matches the logic of someone at Kohlberg's ____ level of moral development.

According to Kohlberg, abstract notions of justice or equity are examples of

The phrase "good girl and good boy" is best associated with Kohlberg's ____ stage of moral thinking.

Social system morality is the focus of one of the stages of Kohlberg's ____ level of moral reasoning.