Which statement best describes Stage 2 of Kohlberg's Preconventional level?

• A. Based on punishments and rewards.
• B. Based on whether consequences result in benefits for self or others.
• C. Based on whether authorities approve or disapprove.
• D. Based on whether laws are upheld.

Answer: (B)

Stage 2 centers on an instrumental, self-oriented view: actions are judged by whether they bring personal benefits or lead to a favorable exchange with others. This means doing something if it benefits me now or if I’ll get a payoff later, or if helping someone might lead them to reciprocate. It’s not about avoiding punishment (that’s Stage 1), nor is it about seeking approval from authorities or strictly obeying laws (those align with later stages). So the idea that consequences are evaluated by whether they bring benefits for self or others best captures Stage 2 reasoning.