Question

______ proposed the hierarchy of needs. a. William James b. David McClelland c. Abraham Maslow d. Albert Bandura

Short answer

The psychologist who proposed the hierarchy of needs is c. Abraham Maslow

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question is asking about the psychologist who proposed the hierarchy of needs. This relates to a theory in psychology that categorizes human needs and motivations into a hierarchical structure.

Recall the Information

The hierarchy of needs is a well-known theory often depicted as a pyramid, starting from basic needs at the bottom to self-actualization at the top.

Identify the Correct Option

Recognize or recall that Abraham Maslow is the psychologist who proposed this theory. Therefore, option c is the correct answer.

Key concepts

Abraham Maslow

Abraham Maslow was a notable psychologist who made significant contributions to our understanding of human behavior and motivation. Born in 1908, Maslow spent much of his career exploring what drives human action. His most influential work was the development of the hierarchy of needs, a theory that profoundly impacted psychology.
Maslow's theory organizes human needs into a pyramid with five levels, starting with the most basic physiological needs such as food and water. Each level addresses different aspects of our psychological well-being, culminating in self-actualization, where an individual realizes their full potential. This approach helps explain why certain needs must be satisfied before others become focal points in our lives
Maslow believed that understanding these needs was vital to comprehending human motivation, and his work continues to influence how we approach psychological training and development.

Psychological Theories

Psychological theories are frameworks that provide explanations and insights into human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Among these, Maslow's hierarchy of needs stands out for its focus on the progression of human motivation.

• Behavioral theories often look at how conditioning influences actions.
• Cognitive theories examine the mental processes involved in knowing.
• Humanistic theories prioritize personal growth and self-fulfillment.

Maslow's hierarchy is part of the humanistic perspective, emphasizing how personal experiences and desires shape our motivations. It offers insights into prioritizing needs and can be applied in fields like business, counseling, and education to enhance motivation and well-being.

Human Motivation

Human motivation is a complex field of study concerned with what drives individuals to act or refrain from acting. Maslow's hierarchy of needs provides a structured way to view these motivations.
Motivation can be considered from different angles:

• Intrinsic motivation: Doing something for inherent satisfaction.
• Extrinsic motivation: Engaging in an activity due to external rewards.

Maslow proposed that as we fulfill more basic needs, we become motivated by more complex desires such as esteem and self-actualization. This understanding shifts how we see motivations, suggesting that meeting fundamental needs can inspire higher levels of motivation, impacting how we lead lives wholeheartedly.

Educational Psychology

Educational psychology examines how individuals learn, combining psychological principles with educational practices. Understanding Maslow's hierarchy is essential within this field. It influences how educational institutions design curriculums and support students.
Maslow's theory implies that before cognitive and emotional aspects of learning can be fully engaged, students must feel safe and have their basic needs met. Educators can use this knowledge to:

• Create safe and nurturing environments.
• Encourage the development of self-esteem in learning contexts.
• Promote personal growth and self-actualization through tailored educational experiences.

By applying Maslow's ideas, educators can create a holistic approach to support each student's educational journey, improving both individual outcomes and collective educational pathways.