preconventional level

in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, the first level of moral reasoning, characterized by the child’s evaluation of actions in terms of material consequences. This level is divided into two stages: the earlier punishment and obedience orientation (Stage 1 in Kohlberg’s overall theory), in which moral behavior is that which avoids punishment; and the later naive hedonism (or instrumental relativist orientation; Stage 2), in which moral behavior is that which obtains reward or serves one’s needs. Also called preconventional morality. See also conventional level; postconventional level.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

self-standards model

a version of cognitive dissonance theory stating that the effects of inconsistent behavioral outcomes will differ depending on whether they are assessed against a personal standard or a normative standard. This theory is an attempt to explain the differing effects of self-esteem on cognitive dissonance that have been documented in the literature and to integrate aspects of the new-look theory, self-consistency perspective, and self-affirmation theory. [proposed by U.S. psychologists Jeff Stone and Joel Cooper (1943– )]