Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is described as:

• A. A five-levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic needs must be satisfied before higher psychological needs such as self-actualisation can be achieved
• B. A three-level model focusing only on safety
• C. A two-level model with mental health as sole concern
• D. A single-level theory

Answer: (A)

Maslow’s idea is that human motivation runs through a five-level hierarchy, starting with basic physical needs and only moving to higher psychological needs once the lower ones are satisfied. The lowest levels cover physiological needs like food and warmth and safety needs, and only after those are met does attention shift to belonging, esteem, and finally self-actualisation. This is why the description of a five-level hierarchical sequence, where basic needs must be satisfied before higher psychological needs such as self-actualisation can be achieved, fits best. In practice, people can move back and forth between levels when needs shift, but the overall structure is a progression from bottom to top. The other options describe models that are too simple or do not capture the idea of moving through multiple levels, rather than a single, two, or three–level focus.