The six levels are grouped into three stages:  Stage 1: Preconventional morality: (Level 1: Obedience and Punishment, Level 2: Independence and Exchange) Stage 2: Conventional Morality: (Level 3: Conformity, Level 4: Law and Order/ Authority Orientation) Stage 3: Post-conventional morality: (Level 5: Social and Individual Rights, Level 6: Universal Standards)