Which learning theory suggests there are five stages to explain human motivation?

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that explains human motivation through a structured model consisting of five levels of needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. This theory posits that individuals are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to higher-level needs.

The first tier involves basic physiological needs such as food and shelter. Once these are met, individuals seek safety and security, followed by social connections and belonging. After achieving these levels, they focus on gaining esteem through respect and recognition. Finally, the highest level of motivation arises from the pursuit of self-actualization, where one seeks personal growth, fulfillment, and the realization of potential.

In an educational or training context, understanding Maslow's theory can help instructors recognize where their learners may be in this hierarchy, allowing them to tailor their teaching approaches to meet the motivational needs of their students effectively.