Question 10

Manny is likely to help his mother with the groceries so that she will give him a cookie.

Manny's behavior aligns with the preconventional level of moral development, where actions are primarily motivated by self-interest and the expectation of external rewards. By helping his mother with the groceries to receive a cookie, he is exhibiting behavior typical of this developmental stage.

A) He helps his little sister put her shoes on so that his parents will know he is a good son.

While this option shows a willingness to help, it is primarily motivated by the desire for parental approval rather than immediate self-interest. At the preconventional level, Manny's actions would be more focused on direct rewards rather than broader recognition.

B) He always does his homework on time because his parents and teachers have told him that it's a rule he needs to follow.

This behavior reflects more of a conventional moral reasoning where rules are followed for the sake of duty or authority figures. Preconventional moral development is characterized by actions taken to avoid punishment or gain rewards, which does not apply here.

C) He refrains from disrupting in class so that his teachers will view him as a good student.

Similar to option B, this behavior is motivated by the desire for social approval rather than a direct reward. Manny’s preconventional reasoning is focused on immediate benefits rather than the perception of others.

D) He always crosses the street at the crosswalk so that he obeys the law.

This option indicates a level of moral reasoning that is more advanced than preconventional. Obeying laws for their own sake reflects a conventional understanding of morality, which does not align with Manny’s current developmental stage.

E) He helps his mother with the groceries so that she will give him a cookie.

This behavior exemplifies preconventional moral development as it is driven by self-interest: Manny expects a cookie as a direct reward for his action. It highlights the characteristic focus on personal gain that defines this stage of moral reasoning.

Conclusion

Manny's behavior of helping his mother with the groceries for a cookie clearly illustrates the preconventional level of moral development, where actions are motivated by the expectation of rewards. Other options reflect higher levels of moral reasoning, where actions are driven by a sense of duty or the desire for social approval, which do not align with Manny's developmental stage. Thus, option E is the most characteristic of Manny’s behavior.