Which stage is included in the first level of Kohlberg's moral development?

The correct answer corresponds to the stage known as "Good boy nice girl orientation," which is part of the conventional level of Kohlberg's moral development theory. This stage primarily emphasizes the importance of social approval and maintaining relationships through good behavior. Individuals at this stage make moral decisions based on societal expectations and the desire to be seen as a "good" person by others.

In this stage, moral reasoning is largely influenced by how actions impact relationships with peers and the approval of authority figures. The focus is on the intention behind actions, where individuals strive to live up to the standards of family, friends, and society. It represents a significant step in moral development where interpersonal relationships become a central focus, highlighting the importance of trust, caring, and loyalty in moral reasoning.

In contrast, the other stages listed involve different aspects of moral reasoning. The "Instrumental relativist orientation" emphasizes the pursuit of one's own interests and recognizing that others have their own interests as well, showing a more self-centered point of view. "Society maintaining orientation" involves understanding societal rules and laws, highlighting a sense of duty but still within a narrower framework than the next level. The "Universal ethical principle" stage represents a more advanced level of moral reasoning where moral principles transcend laws