According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, following school rules to avoid detention is an example of which stage?

The correct answer is indeed associated with the Punishment-Obedience stage in Kohlberg's theory of moral development. In this stage, individuals make decisions based on the avoidance of punishment and the obedience to authority. The focus is primarily on following rules and regulations to evade negative consequences, such as detention in a school setting.

At this stage, moral reasoning is heavily influenced by the immediate consequences of actions rather than by understanding societal rules or the broader implications of ethical behavior. Students who comply with school rules primarily to avoid detention exemplify this stage, as their motivation is centered around self-interest and fear of punishment rather than a deeper understanding of why those rules might be in place for the greater good.

In contrast, the other stages involve more complex moral reasoning. For example, the Good Boy-Nice Girl stage revolves around conforming to social expectations to gain approval from peers, while the Social Contract stage emphasizes mutual benefit and the understanding of rules as social contracts. The Universal Ethical Principles stage reflects the highest level of moral reasoning, where decisions are made based on universal ethical principles rather than personal consequences or social approval. Therefore, following rules merely to avoid punishment aligns directly with the Punishment-Obedience stage.