That said, it would be the opposite for authority figures such as parents, teachers or coaches. By lying to them, he would jeopardize the individual's good reputation. Stage 4: At this stage of moral development, one has accepted the social order of society. If it is wrong to lie, then this person will tell the truth without questioning the merits of right and wrong. Stage 5: At this stage, morality is strongly principled and is not influenced by what others think. Since lying would undermine a healthy society, these people would prefer to tell the truth. Stage 6: At the highest level of moral development, this minority group of people is extremely principled in moral development. Because they have strong feelings about possible injustices arising from social rules and laws, these people would be willing to lie if they believed it would prevent an unjust lawsuit. Cheating on an exam vs. doing honest work Step 1: Cheating on an exam would result in being punished if caught. That fear of punishment would favor the moral choice to act honestly