Question

preconventional

conventional

postconventional

individuals abide by the standards of others such as parents or the laws of society.

individuals moral reasoning is controlled primarily by external rewards and punishments.

individuals recognize alternative moral courses, explore the options, and then decide on a personal moral code.

Explanation:

Identify the core developmental theory

The question presents three levels of moral development: "preconventional", "conventional", and "postconventional". These correspond directly to Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development.

Analyze preconventional reasoning

Preconventional reasoning is the lowest level of moral development. At this stage, individuals show little internalization of moral values. Moral reasoning is controlled primarily by external rewards and punishments from authority figures.

Analyze conventional reasoning

Conventional reasoning is the intermediate level of moral development. At this stage, individuals abide by certain internal standards, but they are the standards of others, such as parents or the laws of society.

Analyze postconventional reasoning

Postconventional reasoning is the highest level of moral development. At this stage, morality is completely internalized and not based on others' standards. Individuals recognize alternative moral courses, explore the options, and then decide on a personal moral code.

Map descriptions to levels

By matching each definition to its corresponding level:

• preconventional matches with: "Individuals' moral reasoning is controlled primarily by external rewards and punishments."
• conventional matches with: "Individuals abide by the standards of others such as parents or the laws of society."
• postconventional matches with: "Individuals recognize alternative moral courses, explore the options, and then decide on a personal moral code."

Answer:

The correct matching of Kohlberg's levels of moral development to their descriptions is:

• preconventional $

ightarrow$ Individuals' moral reasoning is controlled primarily by external rewards and punishments.

• conventional $

ightarrow$ Individuals abide by the standards of others such as parents or the laws of society.

• postconventional $

ightarrow$ Individuals recognize alternative moral courses, explore the options, and then decide on a personal moral code.