Which stage in Kohlberg's moral development involves making decisions based on avoiding punishment?

The Preconventional Level in Kohlberg's moral development theory is characterized by a focus on self-interest and the consequences of actions. At this stage, individuals make decisions primarily to avoid punishment or to receive rewards. This means that a child's understanding of right and wrong is heavily influenced by the immediate consequences of their behavior. They tend to view morality in terms of direct repercussions rather than broader societal norms or ethics.

In contrast, the other levels of moral development involve more complex reasoning. The Conventional Level emphasizes adherence to social rules and the expectations of others, while the Postconventional Level involves principled reasoning based on abstract and universal ethical principles. An Advanced Level is not a recognized category within Kohlberg’s framework. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the foundational understanding of morality based on self-interest and the avoidance of punishment.