Understand the basic aspects of Maslow’s theory of motivation.
Arrange the levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in the appropriate order.
Review
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1. Abraham Maslow was one of the founders of humanistic psychology, an important perspective within psychology. His theory of motivation is based on the idea that human motives can be arranged in a hierarchy of needs.
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2. Maslow proposed that some human motives take priority over others. For example, only when our physiological needs for oxygen, water, and food are met do we consider our need for a safe environment.
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3. If these basic survival needs are met, we can try to satisfy our need to love and be loved. Next comes our need for achievement and respect.
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4. According to Maslow, the highest human need is self-actualization (to reach one’s full potential as a person). It is only when all our other needs have been met that we can work toward becoming a fully actualized person, and only then can we work for the common good, even against our own interests.
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5. Although individual circumstances may change the relative power of each of these needs, Maslow's hierarchy provides a useful framework for thinking about motivated behaviors.
Practice: Exploring the Hierarchy of Needs
Select each level of the hierarchy to see a brief description of that level in Maslow’s theory of motivation.
need to satisfy hunger and thirst for survival
need to feel safe, secure, and stable in a world that is predictable
need to love and be loved, to belong and be accepted
need to achieve, to feel competent and gain respect from others
need to reach one’s full potential as a human person
Quiz 1
Drag each type of motive to the appropriate level of Maslow’s hierarchy. When all the motives have been placed, select the CHECK ANSWER button.
Quiz 2
Select the option that best completes the sentence. Then, press the CHECK ANSWER button.