Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development and the ASWB Exam

Originally published on December 1st, 2023. Last updated on October 13th, 2024.

Welcome to the world of Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development and their pivotal role in the ASWB Exam! As you embark on your journey to becoming a licensed Social Worker, understanding the complexities of human morality is crucial.

This is where Lawrence Kohlberg’s groundbreaking theory comes into play, offering a profound framework for grasping the nuanced stages of moral reasoning. Whether you’re a student, an educator, or a practicing professional, understanding this theory is not just about passing an exam; it’s about enriching your understanding of ethical decision-making in real-world scenarios. So, buckle up as we explore the fascinating intersection of Kohlberg’s theory and Social Work ethics, making your ASWB Exam preparation informative and transformative.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify Kohlberg’s stages and illustrate their relevance to the ASWB Exam. You’ll discover how these stages are deeply embedded in the everyday dilemmas and decisions faced by Social Workers.

Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!

1) Understanding Kohlberg’s Stages

The Essence of Moral Development

At the heart of Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory lies a compelling exploration of how individuals develop moral reasoning. This journey of moral development, according to Kohlberg, progresses through distinct stages. Each stage represents a unique mode of thinking about right and wrong, deeply influencing how decisions are made.

In the context of Social Work and the ASWB Exam, this understanding becomes crucial. Social Workers regularly face complex ethical dilemmas, and a deep grasp of Kohlberg’s stages can provide helpful guidance in navigating these challenges.

A Closer Look at the Stages

Kohlberg’s theory is divided into three main levels, each comprising two stages:

Pre-conventional Level:
- Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation Here, the focus is on direct consequences. Actions are considered ‘good’ if they avoid punishment or unfavorable outcomes. It’s a stage where moral reasoning is driven largely by self-interest and the avoidance of negative repercussions.
- Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange At this stage, there’s a shift from obedience to mutual benefit. Right actions are those that serve individual needs. The notion of fairness comes into play, but it’s still primarily about what’s beneficial on a personal level.
Conventional Level:
- Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships In this stage, social relationships and living up to social expectations become important. Actions are considered right if they help in maintaining and fostering good relationships and societal approval.
- Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order Here, the focus shifts to abiding by laws, rules, and social conventions. This stage emphasizes the importance of maintaining social order through respect for authority and adherence to established norms.
Post-conventional Level:
- Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights This stage represents a higher level of abstraction. Individuals begin to see laws and rules as flexible instruments for social good. There’s an emphasis on critical examination and balancing individual rights with societal needs.
- Stage 6: Universal Principles The pinnacle of moral development, this stage is about universal ethical principles. Decisions are made based on internal moral principles that apply to everyone, transcending specific laws and social agreements.

Why It Matters in Social Work

Social Workers often deal with diverse clients, each at different stages of moral development. Recognizing which stage a client is in can guide Social Workers in formulating effective intervention strategies. Moreover, for those preparing for the ASWB Exam, appreciating these stages is crucial for analyzing case studies and responding to questions that test ethical and moral reasoning.

Bringing Theory into Practice

The exam might present you with complex situations where you need to identify the stage of moral development at play and decide the best course of action. This could range from addressing ethical dilemmas in practice to understanding the moral reasoning behind client decisions.

Learn more additional tips and tricks for the ASWB exam and get hundreds of practice questions with Agents of Change!

2) Kohlberg and the ASWB Exam

The Interplay Between Theory and Practice

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development and the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) Exam are intricately linked in theory and practice. This exam tests both factual knowledge and also the application of ethical principles in real-world scenarios. Kohlberg’s theory, with its deep insights into moral reasoning, becomes a pivotal tool in this context.

Applying Kohlberg’s Theory to ASWB Scenarios

Real-World Examples

Consider a question on the ASWB Exam involving a complex case where a client’s actions or decisions challenge societal norms. To effectively approach this, you need to identify the client’s stage of moral development.

Is their decision-making driven by a desire to avoid punishment (Stage 1), a quest for personal benefit (Stage 2), a need to conform to social expectations (Stage 3), or a higher level of moral reasoning?

By pinpointing the stage, you can better understand the client’s perspective, predict potential challenges, and formulate strategies that respect their developmental stage while adhering to ethical standards.

Beyond the Textbook: Practical Implications

Kohlberg’s theory is a lens through which real-life situations can be viewed and understood. In practice, Social Workers encounter clients from diverse backgrounds and varying stages of moral development. By applying Kohlberg’s stages, they can tailor their interventions and communication strategies to meet clients where they are, ethically and developmentally. This nuanced approach is essential for effective practice and is a skill that the ASWB Exam aims to assess.

The ASWB’s Ethical Focus

The ASWB Exam has a strong emphasis on ethics, a core component of Social Work. It’s designed to ensure that Social Workers can recognize ethical issues and apply ethical reasoning to resolve them.

Kohlberg’s theory provides a structured way to dissect and understand ethical dilemmas, offering a framework for evaluating actions and decisions based on deeper moral principles rather than just rules or consequences.

Integrating Kohlberg’s Stages into Exam Preparation

Study Strategies

Case Studies: Analyze case studies through the lens of Kohlberg’s stages. Ask yourself: “At what stage is this individual operating? How does this influence their actions?”
Role-Playing: Engage in role-playing exercises to put yourself in the shoes of clients at different stages of moral development. This can enhance your empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.
Discussion Groups: Participate in discussion groups focusing on ethical dilemmas. Debate and discuss these scenarios with peers to deepen your understanding of how Kohlberg’s stages apply in varied contexts. All Agents of Change programs include 2 live study groups per month.

Making Theory Tangible

Reflection: Reflect on your experiences and observations in field placements or work settings. Identify instances where understanding the stages of moral development could have informed your approach.
Integration into Practice: Consider how you can apply this theory in your daily practice. How can understanding these stages help you in creating more effective intervention plans or in communicating more effectively with clients?

Get 100’s of practice questions, answers, and rationales with Agents of Change.

3) Integrating Kohlberg’s Theory with Other Developmental Theories for the ASWB Exam

Understanding moral development through Kohlberg’s stages is essential for the ASWB Exam, but social work practice requires a holistic approach that integrates multiple developmental theories. By synthesizing Kohlberg’s theory with other prominent frameworks, such as Piaget’s cognitive development, Erikson’s psychosocial stages, and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, Social Workers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior and development.

For the ASWB Exam, this integrated knowledge will enhance your ability to analyze case studies, recognize developmental stages, and propose interventions that consider both moral reasoning and broader developmental factors.

1. Kohlberg and Piaget: Moral and Cognitive Development

Kohlberg’s theory of moral development builds on Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, which is fundamental to understanding how individuals process information, make decisions, and reason about moral issues. Recognizing the interplay between cognitive abilities and moral reasoning is key when analyzing client behaviors and ethical decisions on the ASWB Exam.

Key Points of Integration:

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development: Piaget outlines stages such as the Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational stages. As individuals develop cognitively, they become more capable of higher levels of moral reasoning, corresponding to Kohlberg’s later stages.
Formal Operational Thinking and Kohlberg’s Post-Conventional Level: In Piaget’s Formal Operational stage (adolescence to adulthood), individuals can engage in abstract thinking, a skill necessary for reaching Kohlberg’s Post-Conventional level. Recognizing when a client’s cognitive development allows for higher-order ethical reasoning can help in tailoring interventions.

Practical Application:

In a scenario involving a client struggling with a moral dilemma, assess not only their moral stage (Kohlberg) but also their cognitive capacity to engage with abstract principles (Piaget). This dual assessment can guide you in determining the best approach to support their decision-making process.

2. Kohlberg and Erikson: Moral and Psychosocial Development

Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is another critical framework that intersects with Kohlberg’s moral development. Erikson emphasizes the psychosocial crises individuals face at each life stage, and understanding these challenges can provide deeper insights into a client’s moral reasoning and behavior. For instance, moral decisions often align with the psychosocial needs Erikson describes, such as trust, identity, and generativity.

Key Points of Integration:

Stage-Specific Crises: Erikson’s stages, like Identity vs. Role Confusion (adolescence) and Intimacy vs. Isolation (young adulthood), can influence an individual’s moral reasoning. Adolescents, for example, may be navigating identity formation (Erikson) while also developing their ability to reason beyond personal gain and conform to societal expectations (Kohlberg).
Moral Development in Later Stages: In Erikson’s later stages, like Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adulthood), individuals may reflect Kohlberg’s Stage 5 (Social Contract) or Stage 6 (Universal Principles), where moral reasoning is centered on contributing to the greater good and upholding universal ethical standards.

Practical Application:

For exam scenarios that involve clients facing psychosocial crises, understanding how these crises impact moral decisions can lead to more accurate assessments. A young adult client facing identity confusion (Erikson) may also be transitioning from Kohlberg’s Conventional to Post-Conventional level, allowing for more nuanced interventions.

3. Kohlberg and Vygotsky: Sociocultural Influences on Moral Reasoning

Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which emphasizes the role of social interaction and culture in development, complements Kohlberg’s theory by highlighting how moral reasoning is shaped by external influences. Vygotsky’s focus on the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and the role of mentorship offers a unique lens for understanding how moral values are taught and internalized.

Key Points of Integration:

Cultural Context and Moral Development: While Kohlberg’s theory suggests a universal sequence of moral stages, Vygotsky’s theory reminds us that culture heavily influences the content of moral reasoning. Different cultures may prioritize different moral values, which is critical when working with diverse populations.
The Role of Social Interactions: Vygotsky’s emphasis on learning through social interaction aligns with Kohlberg’s Conventional Level, where societal norms and relationships become central to moral reasoning. Social workers should recognize how a client’s environment and community influence their moral decisions.

Practical Application:

When answering ASWB questions that involve clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, integrating Vygotsky’s focus on sociocultural factors with Kohlberg’s stages will allow you to analyze moral reasoning in a culturally sensitive manner. Consider how cultural norms and social influences may impact a client’s decisions and behavior.

4. Kohlberg and Maslow: Moral Development and Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, though not a developmental theory per se, provides a helpful framework for understanding the motivational aspects behind moral decision-making. Maslow’s hierarchy ranges from basic physiological needs to self-actualization, and an individual’s ability to engage in higher levels of moral reasoning often depends on whether their foundational needs are met.

Key Points of Integration:

Basic Needs as a Foundation for Moral Development: According to Maslow, individuals must first satisfy basic physiological and safety needs before they can engage in complex moral reasoning. This aligns with Kohlberg’s lower stages, where self-interest and avoidance of punishment dominate decision-making.
Self-Actualization and Universal Ethical Principles: At Maslow’s highest level, self-actualization, individuals are more likely to reach Kohlberg’s Universal Principles stage. This stage reflects a deep commitment to universal ethics, as individuals prioritize internal moral principles over external pressures or rules.

Practical Application:

For ASWB questions where a client’s basic needs are unmet, expect that their moral reasoning may reflect Kohlberg’s lower stages. For clients who demonstrate self-actualization (Maslow), higher stages of moral reasoning (Kohlberg’s Post-Conventional level) may be more prevalent.

5. Comparative Summary of Theories for the ASWB Exam

Here’s a quick comparison of how Kohlberg’s stages align with other developmental theories:

Piaget’s Cognitive Development: Supports cognitive maturation necessary for advancing through Kohlberg’s moral stages.
Erikson’s Psychosocial Development: Helps explain how psychosocial crises impact moral decision-making.
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory: Emphasizes cultural and social influences on moral development.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Highlights the importance of meeting basic needs before higher moral reasoning can emerge.

By integrating these theories, you can develop a richer understanding of clients’ behaviors and responses in various developmental contexts. This integrated approach is particularly useful for addressing complex, multi-layered questions on the ASWB Exam.

6. Tips for Integrating Theories on the ASWB Exam

Use Multiple Lenses: When faced with a case study, consider how Kohlberg’s moral stages intersect with a client’s cognitive, psychosocial, and sociocultural context.
Assess Development Holistically: Don’t focus solely on moral reasoning; evaluate cognitive capacity, psychosocial challenges, and environmental influences.
Contextualize Moral Decisions: Recognize that a client’s moral reasoning might be shaped by both their developmental stage and the external pressures or supports they experience, such as cultural values or basic needs.

By combining Kohlberg’s theory with these developmental frameworks, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the ethical and developmental complexities presented in the ASWB Exam. This holistic approach not only enhances exam performance but also equips you to apply these insights in your professional practice as a Social Worker.

4) Exam Day Strategies: How to Use Kohlberg’s Theory to Navigate Ethical Dilemmas

As you prepare for the ASWB exam, Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development can be an essential tool for analyzing ethical dilemmas and case scenarios. The ASWB exam often presents complex situations that test your ability to apply ethical principles and professional judgment.

By understanding how to effectively use Kohlberg’s theory during the exam, you can better identify client motivations, evaluate decision-making processes, and select the most appropriate interventions. This section will offer strategic approaches to apply Kohlberg’s theory in answering exam questions, helping you stay grounded and focused under pressure.

1. Recognizing the Client’s Moral Stage

One of the primary applications of Kohlberg’s theory on exam day is identifying the moral stage a client is operating from. This is crucial because it allows you to frame the client’s behavior within their moral reasoning, helping you assess ethical decisions and anticipate possible challenges.

Steps for Identifying the Client’s Moral Stage:

Analyze the Decision-Making Process: Look for clues in the case scenario that indicate whether the client is making decisions based on self-interest, social expectations, or abstract ethical principles.
Examine Motivations: Consider the “why” behind the client’s actions. Are they motivated by fear of punishment, personal gain, societal approval, or a commitment to justice and fairness?
Use Kohlberg’s Levels: Apply Kohlberg’s three levels (Pre-conventional, Conventional, and Post-conventional) as a guide to categorize the client’s reasoning.

Example Strategy:

In a question where a client returns a lost item because they want to avoid punishment or negative consequences, recognize that they are likely operating from Stage 1 (Obedience and Punishment Orientation). Conversely, if they return the item because they believe it’s ethically right regardless of the law, this might reflect Stage 6 (Universal Principles).

Checklist for Identifying Moral Stages:

Does the client avoid punishment? (Stage 1)
Is there a focus on personal benefit or reciprocal fairness? (Stage 2)
Is the client concerned with social approval and relationships? (Stage 3)
Are societal laws or order the primary focus? (Stage 4)
Does the client consider broader social contracts or individual rights? (Stage 5)
Is the client acting based on universal ethical principles? (Stage 6)

By quickly categorizing the moral stage, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to approach the scenario and select appropriate interventions.

2. Prioritizing Ethical Decision-Making Based on Moral Stages

Understanding Kohlberg’s theory is not just about labeling the client’s stage; it’s also about using that knowledge to guide ethical decision-making. On exam day, you’ll need to consider how a client’s moral stage impacts their understanding of ethical dilemmas and how you, as a Social Worker, should respond.

Key Considerations for Prioritizing Decisions:

Lower Stages (Pre-conventional): When a client operates from the Pre-conventional level, they may struggle to understand broader societal or ethical implications. In such cases, your intervention may focus on immediate safety, risk management, or clarifying consequences.
Middle Stages (Conventional): Clients at the Conventional level will often prioritize maintaining relationships or societal rules. In ethical dilemmas involving legal issues or social norms, you can reinforce these frameworks to help guide their decisions.
Higher Stages (Post-conventional): Clients at the Post-conventional level may challenge societal norms or laws if they believe these are unjust. Here, the focus should be on discussing broader ethical principles and rights, and collaborating on solutions that honor their higher-level reasoning.

Strategic Application for Ethical Decisions:

Example Question: A client refuses to comply with a legal mandate because they believe it infringes on their individual rights. In this case, the client is likely reasoning at Stage 5 (Social Contract) or Stage 6 (Universal Principles). Your intervention should balance respect for their ethical reasoning while also addressing legal and societal constraints. A Post-conventional stage response might require a nuanced approach that considers individual autonomy alongside the broader social good.

Prioritizing Ethical Decisions:

If the client is focused on avoiding punishment (Stage 1), prioritize clarity around rules and consequences.
If the client is motivated by mutual benefit or fairness (Stage 2), consider solutions that address reciprocal relationships.
For clients who emphasize social roles and approval (Stage 3), reinforce the importance of relationships and societal expectations.
For clients concerned with law and order (Stage 4), frame ethical dilemmas within legal frameworks and the importance of social stability.
For Post-conventional clients (Stages 5 and 6), focus on broader ethical principles, rights, and long-term societal impacts.

3. Managing Ethical Dilemmas with Multiple Stakeholders

The ASWB exam may present ethical dilemmas that involve multiple stakeholders, such as clients, families, organizations, or communities. Kohlberg’s theory can help you analyze how each stakeholder’s moral reasoning might differ and guide you in finding ethical solutions that consider these varied perspectives.

How to Approach Dilemmas with Multiple Stakeholders:

Step 1: Identify Moral Stages of Each Party: Assess whether different individuals or groups in the case are operating at different stages of moral development. For example, a child may be reasoning from a Pre-conventional level, while a parent or organization may be at a Conventional or Post-conventional level.
Step 2: Address Conflicting Moral Perspectives: Use Kohlberg’s theory to identify potential conflicts between stakeholders. For example, a client at Stage 6 (Universal Principles) may reject a solution that another stakeholder, operating from Stage 4 (Maintaining Social Order), finds acceptable.
Step 3: Balance Ethical Responses: Develop interventions that balance the different stages of moral reasoning without disregarding the needs or perspectives of any stakeholder. Use empathy and open communication to bridge gaps in moral understanding.

Case Example:

A family is in conflict over a decision about a child’s education. The parents prioritize adhering to the school’s rules (Stage 4), while the child is more concerned with avoiding punishment (Stage 1). By recognizing the different moral stages at play, you can mediate by explaining the consequences to the child (addressing Stage 1), while also discussing the importance of rules and social order with the parents (addressing Stage 4).

Managing Ethical Dilemmas with Multiple Stakeholders:

Assess each party’s moral stage to identify their primary motivations and decision-making processes.
Acknowledge conflicts between stakeholders’ moral stages and explore compromises that respect diverse viewpoints.
Engage in open dialogue to clarify ethical principles for each party involved, ensuring that everyone’s perspective is considered.

4. Using Ethical Frameworks and Kohlberg Together

While Kohlberg’s theory focuses on moral development, it should be used alongside other ethical frameworks to ensure comprehensive decision-making. The ASWB exam may require you to incorporate professional ethics, such as the NASW Code of Ethics, with developmental theories like Kohlberg’s.

How to Integrate Kohlberg with Ethical Frameworks:

Step 1: Identify the Ethical Issue: Begin by pinpointing the ethical dilemma in the question. Are there confidentiality concerns? Conflicts of interest? Client rights at stake?
Step 2: Use Kohlberg to Understand Motivations: Apply Kohlberg’s stages to understand the moral reasoning behind each stakeholder’s actions. This will help clarify why individuals may be struggling with the ethical issue.
Step 3: Apply Professional Ethics: Use the NASW Code of Ethics to ground your decision-making in professional values, such as client self-determination, dignity, and social justice. Integrating these principles with an understanding of the client’s moral stage allows for ethical interventions that respect both individual development and professional standards.

Example Question:

A client wants to take an action that goes against their personal values but conforms to societal norms. By identifying that the client is at Stage 3 (Good Interpersonal Relationships), you can address their concern for social approval while also guiding them toward a decision that aligns with ethical principles from the NASW Code of Ethics, such as dignity and integrity.

Integrating Ethical Frameworks:

Clarify the ethical dilemma using professional ethics (e.g., client confidentiality, conflicts of interest).
Apply Kohlberg’s stages to understand the moral reasoning of each party involved.
Align interventions with both moral development and ethical guidelines, ensuring comprehensive and ethical solutions.

5. Practice and Review: Applying Kohlberg in Exam Scenarios

To effectively apply Kohlberg’s theory on exam day, practice analyzing case studies and ethical dilemmas through the lens of moral development. Use practice questions to refine your ability to quickly identify stages and propose appropriate interventions.

Practical Steps for Exam Practice:

Review Past Case Studies: Go through practice questions that involve ethical dilemmas and identify the moral stage of the individuals involved. Practice explaining how their reasoning aligns with Kohlberg’s stages.
Simulate Exam Conditions: Time yourself answering ethical dilemma questions to build your confidence in applying Kohlberg’s theory under pressure.
Use Peer Discussions: Engage in discussions with study groups or peers, analyzing case studies together and debating which moral stages are at play. This collaborative practice will help you refine your reasoning skills.

Practice Strategies:

Time yourself when practicing ethical dilemmas to simulate exam conditions.
Review the stages of moral development frequently to ensure quick identification during the exam.
Engage in discussions with peers to deepen your understanding and broaden your perspective on moral reasoning.

5) FAQs – Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Q: How Can I Effectively Apply Kohlberg’s Stages in Answering ASWB Exam Questions?

A: Understanding the Context: Begin by identifying the moral stage relevant to the question’s scenario. Is the individual’s decision driven by self-interest, societal norms, or higher ethical principles?

Analytical Approach: Use the stages as a framework for analyzing the ethical dimensions of the scenario. How do the actions or decisions of individuals in the question align with Kohlberg’s stages?

Ethical Decision-Making: Apply this understanding to propose solutions or interventions that are ethically sound and appropriate for the individual’s stage of moral development. Consider how different stages might require different approaches in a Social Work context.

Q: In What Ways Does Kohlberg’s Theory Prepare Me for Real-World Social Work Beyond the ASWB Exam?

A: Enhanced Understanding of Client Behavior: Kohlberg’s stages offer insights into why clients may behave or think in certain ways, allowing for more empathetic and tailored interventions.

Ethical Decision-Making in Practice: The theory provides a structured approach to resolving ethical dilemmas in practice, guiding you to consider various aspects of moral reasoning.

Communication Strategies: By understanding the moral development stage of your clients, you can adjust your communication methods and expectations to better align with their perspective, facilitating more effective interactions.

Q: Are There Any Limitations of Kohlberg’s Theory That I Should Be Aware of While Preparing for the ASWB Exam?

A: Cultural Considerations: Be aware that Kohlberg’s theory is rooted in Western perspectives, which may not universally apply to all cultural contexts. In practice, it’s important to consider cultural differences in moral reasoning.

Stage Fluidity: Understand that not everyone progresses through the stages linearly or reaches the highest stages. Moral development can be fluid, with individuals exhibiting characteristics of multiple stages simultaneously.

Application in Practice: While the theory is a valuable tool, rely on it as one of many frameworks. Remember to integrate other theories and approaches in your practice to ensure a comprehensive understanding of client needs and ethical considerations.

6) Conclusion

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development is a lens through which Social Workers can view and understand the complex details of human morality and ethical reasoning. Preparing for the ASWB Exam with Kohlberg’s theory in your toolkit does more than just boost your chances of passing.

As Social Workers, our challenge is to respect these differences, guide our clients through their moral development, and apply our understanding to create effective, ethical interventions.

Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!

7) Practice Question – Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

During a session, a Social Worker discusses a recent decision made by a teenage client, Alex, who chose to return a wallet full of cash that he found on the street. Alex explains that he returned the wallet because he believes that laws and rules are important for societal order, and not returning the wallet would have been against the law. According to Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development, which stage is Alex most likely demonstrating?

A) Pre-conventional Level: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
B) Pre-conventional Level: Individualism and Exchange
C) Conventional Level: Good Interpersonal Relationships
D) Conventional Level: Maintaining Social Order

Correct Answer:
D) Conventional Level: Maintaining Social Order

Rationale:
The correct answer is D, Conventional Level: Maintaining Social Order. In Kohlberg’s theory, this stage (Stage 4) is characterized by an individual’s belief in obeying rules and laws, which are seen as necessary for maintaining societal order and the welfare of the group or society.

Alex’s decision to return the wallet is based on his respect for law and order, rather than personal gain (which would suggest the Pre-conventional Level) or a desire to please others and maintain good relationships (indicative of the Conventional Level: Good Interpersonal Relationships). This scenario does not reflect Stage 1 (Obedience and Punishment Orientation) as Alex’s decision is not driven by a fear of punishment but by a belief in the importance of law and order.

Additionally, it does not reflect Stage 2 (Individualism and Exchange) as Alex’s decision is not based on individualism or personal exchange. Therefore, Alex’s reasoning aligns best with Stage 4, indicating his moral development at the Conventional Level: Maintaining Social Order.

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 8 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!

Find more from Agents of Change here:

► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep

► Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agents-of-change-sw

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Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development and the ASWB Exam

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development and the ASWB Exam