What common element does Kohlberg's theory include?

Kohlberg's theory of moral development is well-known for its structured approach, which includes three primary levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Each of these levels is further divided into substages, providing a nuanced understanding of how individuals progress through moral reasoning. The identification of these substages allows educators and psychologists to assess where a person may be in their moral development and how they reason about ethical dilemmas. This layered structure is a significant aspect of Kohlberg's work, as it highlights the complexity of moral growth and the varying approaches individuals may take at different stages in their lives.

The other options do not align with the core elements of Kohlberg's theory. While teaching methods for morality may relate to moral education, it is not a defining characteristic of his theory itself. Psychological theories of happiness focus on well-being rather than moral reasoning, and historical perspectives on education do not connect directly to the individual stages of moral development that Kohlberg emphasized.