West Coast EMT Block One Exam

In preconventional reasoning, how do children typically act?

1. Act almost purely to avoid punishment and to get what they want.

2. Make decisions based on their conscience.

3. Look for approval from their peers and society.

4. Blame their actions on what they have observed in older children.

The correct answer is: Act almost purely to avoid punishment and to get what they want.

In preconventional reasoning, children primarily engage in behavior that is motivated by self-interest, focusing on immediate outcomes rather than broader moral implications. This reasoning stage, as described by developmental psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, emphasizes a clear distinction in children's reasoning: actions are taken primarily to avoid negative consequences or gain rewards. Children operating at this level do not yet have a developed sense of moral values or ethical considerations. Instead, their actions are governed by the reactions of others, often leading them to comply with rules strictly when they perceive a risk of punishment or when there is a potential benefit to themselves. This behavior is typical in early childhood and reflects a fundamentally egocentric view. The other options reflect more advanced stages of moral reasoning. For instance, making decisions based on conscience typically arises in higher stages where individuals begin to consider the outcomes of their actions for others, indicating a shift towards conventional reasoning. Similarly, seeking approval from peers or societal norms is characteristic of conventional reasoning, where the approval of others becomes a significant factor in decision-making. Blaming actions on observations of older children aligns with understanding consequences and social influences, which also transcends the preconventional reasoning stage.