What is the first level of Kohlberg's moral development?

• A. Preconventional.
• B. Conventional.
• C. Postconventional.
• D. Moral realism.

Answer: (A)

The first level of Kohlberg's framework centers on actions driven by external consequences and personal gain, not by internalized rules or concern for others. This is called preconventional morality. In this level, right behavior is seen in terms of avoiding punishment (obedience and punishment orientation) or pursuing rewards for oneself (instrumental or self-interest orientation). A child might behave to escape punishment or to receive a treat or favors.

The other levels shift toward following social norms for approval and that deeper sense of right and wrong based on universal principles, which is conventional and postconventional morality, respectively. Kohlberg’s stages do not include moral realism as part of this progression.