Imagine reading a young child a story. In the story, Schuyler calls Emma a mean name. Emma retaliates by biting Schuyler. You ask the child what she thinks about the fact that Emma bit Schuyler. Three possible responses appear below. Label each as typical of one of the levels of moral reasoning described by Kohlberg: preconventional, conventional, or postconventional. a. "Emma better not bite again if she doesn't want to get bitten back." b. "Even if someone hurts us, it's never okay to hurt them back." c. "It is wrong to bite people. Emma is going to get a time out."

Preconventional morality is the first level in Kohlberg's theory of moral development. At this stage, children make decisions based on the direct consequences of their actions.
Their behavior is guided mainly by self-interest and the desire to avoid punishment.
Think of it as 'What’s in it for me?' reasoning.

For example:
When a child says, 'Emma better not bite again if she doesn't want to get bitten back,' they are thinking about the immediate consequence for Emma.
This child is concerned with avoiding harm or punishment rather than understanding the broader moral implications of biting.

Key Characteristics of Preconventional Morality:

• Focus on avoiding punishment
• Self-interest and personal gain
• Lack of internal moral principles

The main idea is to influence behavior through rewards and penalties. In this stage, children are not yet considering societal rules or the greater good.

Conventional morality is the second level of Kohlberg's moral development theory.
At this stage, individuals start to internalize societal norms and values.

They conform to social rules and laws, not necessarily for self-interest, but because they believe it's important to maintain social order.
This is where most adolescents and adults operate.

For example:
When a child says, 'It is wrong to bite people. Emma is going to get a time out,' they are focused on adhering to rules and the expectations of authority figures.
This child believes in following rules to avoid disapproval from others.

Key Characteristics of Conventional Morality:

• Conformity to social norms and rules
• Desire to maintain social order
• Concern for others' approval

The emphasis is on being a 'good' member of society by following the established rules and laws.
The goal is to ensure social harmony by adhering to the expectations set by authority figures and institutions.

Postconventional morality is the third and highest level in Kohlberg's moral development theory.
At this stage, individuals make moral decisions based on abstract principles and values, often considering universal human rights beyond personal gain or societal norms.

They evaluate the morality of rules and laws themselves, sometimes even challenging social conventions for the greater good.

For example:
When a child says, 'Even if someone hurts us, it's never okay to hurt them back,' they are operating on higher moral principles.
This child believes in universal ethical rules that transcend specific laws or personal consequences.

Key Characteristics of Postconventional Morality:

• Focus on universal principles and human rights
• Willingness to challenge societal norms
• Internalized ethical values

The emphasis is on upholding moral principles such as justice, equality, and human rights, even if it means breaking rules or laws to do so.
This stage represents an advanced moral reasoning process where individuals prioritize ethical values over conformity.