Question

Denisha notices that kylov forgot to bring his crayons to class. Denisha offers to lend kylov her green crayon, which is her least favorite, if he agrees to switch his seat with her so that she can sit next to her best friend. This is an example of kohlberg's _____ stage of moral development.

Answer 1

This is an example of kohlberg's individualism, instrumental purpose, and exchange stage of moral development.

These kids are in the preconventional level, where their sense of morality is externally controlled. They accept and believe the rules of authority figures, such as parents and teachers.  A child with pre-conventional morality has not yet adopted or internalized society’s conventions regarding what is right or wrong, but instead focuses largely on external consequences that certain actions may bring. In this particular example they are in the Stage 2: Instrumental Orientation. The reasoning shows a limited interest in the needs of others, only to the point where it might further the individual’s own interests. As a result, concern for others is not based on loyalty or intrinsic respect, but rather a “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” mentality.