In summary, Maslow's hierarchy is best described as which of the following?

• A. Economic theory
• B. Psychological needs only
• C. Social status theory
• D. Basic needs must be met before higher psychological and self-fulfillment needs

Answer: (D)

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivation theory in psychology that pictures human needs as a pyramid. People are driven to satisfy basic, concrete needs first—such as food, water, shelter, and safety—and only after these are met do higher-level needs become salient, including belonging and love, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization. The statement that basic needs must be met before higher psychological and self-fulfillment needs best captures this sequential structure. It distinguishes the model from economic theories that focus on money or resources, and from narrower ideas that only emphasize psychological needs or social status; Maslow’s idea is that motivation climbs from the bottom up, with each level serving as a foundation for the next.