Question

read the following scenario and answer the question that follows.
marley and soncy witnessed their classmate, josh, get into trouble by their fourth grade teacher. marley claimed that joshs behavior was wrong because he hurt another student and soncy claimed that joshs behavior was wrong because he broke the class rules.
based on lawrence kohlbergs theory of moral reasoning which of the following statements would kohlberg agree with?
a. marley is at a higher level of moral reasoning than soncy.
b. soncy is at a higher level of moral reasoning than marley.
c. soncy and marley are at the same level of moral reasoning.
d. marley reasons differently than soncy because marley is more mature.

please select the best answer from the choices provided

Explanation:

Analyze Marley's moral reasoning

Marley argues that Josh's behavior is wrong because "he hurt another student." This focus on physical consequences, harm, and empathy/interpersonal relations aligns with Stage 2 (individualism and exchange) or Stage 3 (good interpersonal relationships) within Kohlberg's stages, representing a transition from preconventional to conventional morality.

Analyze Soncy's moral reasoning

Soncy argues that Josh's behavior is wrong because "he broke the class rules." This focus on rules, laws, and maintaining social order is characteristic of Stage 4 (maintaining the social order) of Kohlberg's conventional level of moral development.

Compare the levels of moral reasoning

According to Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development, Stage 4 (maintaining social order/rules, Soncy) is a higher stage of moral reasoning than Stage 2 or Stage 3 (focusing on individual harm/consequences, Marley). Therefore, Soncy is reasoning at a higher level of moral development than Marley.

Answer:

• A. Marley is at a higher level of moral reasoning than Soncy.
• B. Soncy is at a higher level of moral reasoning than Marley. (Correct answer)
• C. Soncy and Marley are at the same level of moral reasoning.
• D. Marley reason's differently than Soncy because Marley is more mature.