Maslow Hierarchical needs theory is a motivation theory comprising of a five-tier model in psychology. The theory states that human beings have an inherent desire to achieve specific needs. Additionally, some of the requirements take precedence over other needs. The five-tier model is made up of physiological needs, safety needs, Love and belonging needs, Esteem needs and Self-actualization needs (Koltko-Rivera, 2006). Self-actualization needs if found at the top level of the pyramid and it is a being need. The other four are deficiency needs.
Reason for classification as a theory
The Maslow hierarchy of needs is a theory and not a hypothesis because it is well substantiated and has been tested. A hypothesis is a statement that suggests an explanation of a specific phenomenon; that is not verified. The Maslow’s theory explains the behavior of needs of human beings and is well documented (Koltko-Rivera, 2006). Again, the Maslow hierarchical needs theory is a theory and not a law because unlike a law it is not a universally accepted fact. It is just an explanation of a particular occurrence and not a generalization of phenomena as one would expect of a law. The Maslow hierarchical needs theory is theory and not a model primarily because it is not a basis for some explanation, as one would expect of any model.
Type of Explanation provided by the theory
The type of explanation provided by the theory is a functional explanation. A functional explanation usually explains how certain beings operate or work. On the other hand, a mechanistic explanation is an account of the phenomena in its abstract form (Koltko-Rivera, 2006). The Maslow’s theory tries to explain the intrinsic motivation factor concerning human beings needs.
Classification of the theory
The Maslow needs theory is a qualitative theory mainly because it offers an explanation on a trend of thoughts or opinions based on scientifically tested experiments (Koltko-Rivera, 2006). The opinions herein obtained cannot be assigned to a number arbitrarily. Quantitative theory concerns themselves with data that can be counted.
Level of description
The theory operates at a descriptive level of description. The theory is aimed at describing nature of the human needs in an objective and non-judgmental away (Koltko-Rivera, 2006). Unlike an analogical level of description, which describes drawing a comparison, this theory falls short in that regard.
The domain of the theory
The Maslow hierarchical needs theory is in the Cognitive domain. The theory attempts to explain occurrences relating to cognitive abilities of human beings (Koltko-Rivera, 2006). In our cases, the needs lie under perception.
References
Koltko-Rivera, M. E. (2006). Rediscovering the later version of Maslow's hierarchy of needs: Self-transcendence and opportunities for theory, research, and unification. Review of general psychology, 10(4), 302-317.
