LMSW Practice Test

A theoretical framework that helps professionals understand the level at which a person understands, accepts, and integrates ethics, responsibilities, laws, and rights is known as what?

1. Kohlberg's theory of moral development.

2. Naive instrumental hedonism.

3. Punishment and obedience orientation.

4. Rawls' theory of justice.

The correct answer is: Kohlberg's theory of moral development.

Kohlberg's theory of moral development is indeed the correct answer because it provides a structured framework for understanding how individuals progress in their moral reasoning. The theory outlines six stages of moral development, categorized into three main levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Each level represents a different way individuals understand and integrate concepts related to ethics, responsibilities, laws, and rights. By progressing through these stages, individuals learn to think about moral problems in increasingly complex ways. For instance, they move from a focus on direct consequences (such as punishment and rewards) to a more nuanced understanding of social contracts, universal ethical principles, and the greater good. This developmental approach is essential for professionals who need to navigate ethical dilemmas in practice, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding where a person is in their moral reasoning journey. The other choices, while related to aspects of ethics and morality, do not provide the same comprehensive framework for understanding the stages of moral development.