FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, what is the first level of needs that must be satisfied?

1. Esteem

2. Belongingness and love

3. Self-actualization

4. Physiological

The correct answer is: Physiological

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the first level consists of physiological needs, which are fundamental for human survival. These needs encompass the basic requirements for existence, such as air, water, food, shelter, sleep, and clothing. Only once these essential physiological needs are met can individuals begin to focus on higher-level needs, such as safety, belongingness, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization. This foundational aspect is critical because if physiological needs are not adequately fulfilled, an individual will struggle to pursue or achieve higher-order needs. For example, a person who is hungry or homeless will find it challenging to form social relationships or seek out respect and approval from others, as their primary focus will be on meeting their basic survival needs. Understanding this foundation is important in educational settings, as it emphasizes the necessity of addressing basic needs before leveraging higher-order motivations to enhance learning and development.