Which of the following lists Kohlberg's levels in the correct order from earliest to latest?

• A. Preconventional, Conventional, Postconventional
• B. Conventional, Preconventional, Postconventional
• C. Postconventional, Conventional, Preconventional
• D. Preconventional, Postconventional, Conventional

Answer: (A)

Kohlberg's stages of moral development describe a progression in how people reason about right and wrong. The earliest level is Preconventional, where morality is based on avoiding punishment and pursuing personal gain. The next level is Conventional, where moral reasoning centers on conforming to social rules, pleasing others, and maintaining social order. The final level is Postconventional, where moral judgments arise from abstract principles such as justice and universal rights, even if they conflict with laws or norms. The order from earliest to latest is Preconventional, Conventional, Postconventional, which matches the common developmental sequence.