Which psychologist is known for their work on the hierarchy of needs?

The correct answer is C, Abraham Maslow, who is renowned for developing the hierarchy of needs, a motivational theory in psychology. This theory posits that human beings have a series of needs that must be met in a specific order, usually represented as a pyramid. At the base of the pyramid are basic physiological needs (like food and shelter), followed by safety needs, social needs (such as belonging and love), esteem needs, and ultimately, self-actualization at the top. The hierarchy suggests that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can focus on higher-level needs, which has significant implications for understanding human behavior and motivation.

B.F. Skinner is more closely associated with behaviorism and operant conditioning, focusing on how behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments rather than on individual needs and motivations. Sigmund Freud is known for his psychoanalytic theory, emphasizing unconscious processes and childhood experiences rather than a structured hierarchy of human needs. William James contributed significantly to functionalism and was a pioneer in psychology as a field, but his work did not center on needs in the way Maslow's does. Each of these psychologists has made important contributions to the field, but Maslow's hierarchy is specifically linked to understanding human motivation and personal development.