Which theory describes a hierarchy of needs that influences motivation and development?

• A. Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
• B. Skinner's Operant Conditioning
• C. Marcia's Identity Statuses
• D. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is a hierarchy of needs that drives both motivation and development. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs proposes that people are motivated to satisfy basic, lower-level needs (such as physiological needs and safety) before aiming for higher-level needs (belonging, esteem, and self-actualization). When lower-level needs aren’t met, they dominate behavior; once they’re satisfied, energy can be directed toward fulfilling higher needs, supporting growth and personal potential. This framework also frames development as a progression through levels, with growth occurring as individuals move upward in the hierarchy. Other theories describe different aspects of development—Erikson focuses on psychosocial conflicts across life stages, Skinner on reinforcement shaping behavior, and Marcia on identity statuses—without presenting a single hierarchical ladder that explains motivation across the lifespan.