| Stage | Description |
| Level 1: Preconventional Morality | |
| Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment | Common in young children, but also observed in adults. Rules are fixed and absolute. Obedience is important only to avoid punishment. |
| Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange | Individuals are most interested in their own needs and make decisions based on those needs. |
| Level 2: Conventional Morality | |
| Stage 3: Interpersonal Relationships | Individuals focus on conforming in order to fit in or be thought of as good or right. Individuals work at living up to expectations and what they think others want. |
| Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order | Individuals broaden their views and consider society or a group when making choices. Individuals follow rules to maintain order and because they are respecting authority. |
| Level 3: Postconventional Morality | |
| Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights | Individuals still follow rules to maintain order and to respect authority, but they also become aware of differences in others and expect others to conform. |
| Stage 6: Universal Principles | Individuals follow rules to maintain order and respect authority, unless those conflict with what an individual knows is right. |