Which statement best describes Kohlberg's Preconventional level of moral development?

• A. Obey rules to gain rewards
• B. Interpersonal Relationships
• C. Self accepted moral principles guide behavior
• D. Safety, Belongingness, Self Esteem, Freedom

Answer: (A)

In Kohlberg’s Preconventional level, moral reasoning is driven by external consequences and self-interest rather than internalized rules or social expectations. Acting to obey rules in order to gain rewards fits this focus on concrete outcomes and personal gain, which is characteristic of the preconventional stage.

The other descriptions point to higher levels of moral development: seeking approval from others aligns with conforming to social expectations, internalizing self-chosen moral principles reflects principled ethics at a more advanced stage, and references to needs from Maslow describe a different framework altogether.