Plain English Meaning

The things people require to feel okay, ranging from basic survival up to feeling fulfilled. Until the lower needs are met, a person has trouble paying attention to higher ones like learning.

Full Definition

The set of physical, psychological, and social requirements that motivate human behavior, commonly arranged in a hierarchy from basic survival needs (food, water, shelter) through safety, belonging, and esteem, up to self-actualization. In instructional settings, lower-level needs must generally be satisfied before a learner can focus on higher-level needs such as learning and personal growth.

Context Anchor

Seen in aviation instructor training when discussing why students act, learn, hesitate, or lose during .