Maslow's Theory

Paper Summary:

The paper relates Abraham Maslow's background and examines the theory he proposed in his 1943 paper, "A Theory of Human Motivation." The paper explains his theory which contends that as humans meet basic needs, they seek to satisfy successively higher needs that occupy a set hierarchy. Maslow proposed that all people seek to satisfy five basic needs: physiological needs, safety needs, social needs, esteem needs and self-actualization needs. The paper is of the opinion that Maslow's theory is a common sense approach to human behavior. The paper discusses how his research shows there is a motivator for each need and it is these motivators that pushes one through the hierarchy of needs pyramid.

Outline:
Abraham Maslow
Hierarchy of Needs Theory
Research and Experiments
My Opinion

From the Paper:

"Maslow's original studies and research while at University of Wisconsin were investigating primate dominance behavior. He performed further research and similar studies at Columbia University. From 1937 to 1951 Maslow was on the faculty at Boston College and while in New York was mentored by anthropologist Ruth Benedict and Gestalt psychologist Max Wertheimer. Maslow so looked up to these people that he began taking notes about them and their behavior. "This would be the basis for his lifelong study and thinking about mental health and human potential""

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abraham Maslow's (2006). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved October 15, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Maslow
• A Science Odyssey: People and Discoveries: Abraham Maslow (1998). Retrieved October 19, 2006 from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/bhmasl.html
• George, J.M & Jones, G.R. Contemporary Management (4th Edition). (2006). NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc
• Hoffman, E. Abraham Maslow Overcoming Evil: An interview with Abraham Maslow, founder of humanistic psychology. Psychology Today Jan 92, last reviewed 30 Aug 2004 (document ID 1948). Retrieved October 17, 2006 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-19920101-000038&page=5
• Huitt, W. (2004). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Education Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved October 15, 2006 from http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/motivation/motivate.html

More papers on Maslow's Theory:

• Essay # 54751 : "Maslow's Theory of Hierarchy of Needs"
• Term Paper # 106482 : "Abraham Maslow and Motivation"
• Term Paper # 146163 : "Abraham Maslow: His Life and Contributions to Psychology"
• Research Paper # 92974 : "Maslow's Holistic-Dynamic Theory"

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