Which stage emphasizes maintaining social order and respecting authority?

• A. Stage 6
• B. Stage 4
• C. Stage 3
• D. Stage 5

Answer: (B)

This item tests Kohlberg's stages of moral development, focusing on the level where upholding laws and respecting authority guides moral decisions. In this stage, people believe that maintaining social order requires following rules and obeying those in authority because these structures prevent chaos and protect everyone. A person at this stage judges actions as right if they align with laws and duties and wrong if they violate them, even when an easier or more appealing option exists. For example, choosing to follow school rules and respect teachers isn’t just about avoiding trouble; it reflects the belief that rules help keep the learning environment fair and safe. This fit is why the described emphasis on maintaining social order and respecting authority is the best answer. By contrast, earlier stages focus on seeking approval from others, and later stages move toward judging actions by broader principles or social contracts that can override specific rules.