Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which level of Kohlberg's moral development includes the "Good boy/good girl Orientation"?

1. Preconventional Level

2. Conventional Level

3. Postconventional Level

4. Universal Ethical Principles

The correct answer is: Conventional Level

The "Good boy/good girl orientation" is characteristic of the Conventional Level of Kohlberg's moral development. At this stage, individuals seek to find approval and maintain relationships by conforming to social norms and expectations. They are guided by the desire to be seen as a "good" person by society and their peers, focusing on the approval and acceptance from others. This involves adherence to rules and roles that maintain social order and enhance interpersonal relationships. In contrast, the Preconventional Level focuses on self-interest, where moral reasoning is based primarily on the consequences for oneself, such as avoiding punishment or gaining rewards. The Postconventional Level, on the other hand, involves abstract reasoning about universal ethical principles, where morality transcends rules and laws and is guided by personal principles. The Universal Ethical Principles represents a further stage beyond the Conventional Level, where one’s moral reasoning is based on principles of justice and human rights instead of simply conforming to societal expectations. Thus, the inclusion of "Good boy/good girl orientation" clearly fits within the context of the Conventional Level, confirming the selection as the correct answer.