FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What aspect of Kohlberg's theory focuses on a child's desire to fulfill obligations and respect authority?

1. Punishment-obedience

2. Instrumental-relativist

3. Good boy-nice girl

4. Law-order orientation

The correct answer is: Law-order orientation

The correct answer is based on Kohlberg's theory of moral development, specifically the Law and Order orientation, which emphasizes a child's recognition of the importance of social order, authority, and the rules that maintain that order. In this stage, children understand that laws and rules are created to keep society functioning harmoniously and that following them is essential for the greater good. In this stage, a child's moral reasoning is influenced by their respect for authority and the obligation to uphold societal rules. They see laws as absolute guidelines that must be followed to maintain security and stability in the community. This understanding goes beyond simple obedience to rules; it incorporates a sense of duty and responsibility to others, aligning individual actions with societal expectations. Other stages, such as Punishment-obedience or Instrumental-relativist, reflect different aspects of moral reasoning, focusing more on immediate consequences or personal gain rather than the broader obligation to societal structures. The Good boy-nice girl orientation includes a desire for approval and maintaining relationships but does not emphasize the respect for authority and obligation as strongly as the Law-order orientation.