Which of the following statements best summarizes the idea of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

• A. Human motivation is driven by a progression of needs, starting with basic physiological requirements and advancing toward self-actualization.
• B. Behavior is shaped by unconscious desires and conflicts originating in early childhood.
• C. Emotions are primarily the result of physiological arousal followed by cognitive interpretation.
• D. Learning occurs through associations between stimuli and responses.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology that proposes human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, from the most basic to more complex needs.
2. Step 2: Recognize the levels in Maslow's hierarchy, which typically start with physiological needs (such as food and water), followed by safety needs, love and belongingness, esteem needs, and finally self-actualization at the top.
3. Step 3: Note that according to Maslow, individuals are motivated to fulfill lower-level needs before moving on to higher-level needs, meaning basic needs must be satisfied before higher psychological needs become motivating factors.
4. Step 4: Compare the given statements to this understanding: the correct summary should reflect this progression from basic physiological needs to self-actualization as the driving force behind human motivation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement emphasizing motivation as a progression of needs starting with physiological requirements and advancing toward self-actualization best summarizes Maslow's hierarchy of needs.