Gratification, Metamotivation, and Maslow

Abstract

Many writers have criticized Maslow's need hierarchy theory since it lacks empirical evidence. An attempt has been made in this paper to verify Maslow's theory with the hypotheses that (1) needs do not form a hierarchical pattern; (2) even if a pattern exists, the shape is not that of a pyramid; (3) relatively better-off people care for lower order needs; and (4) differences in deficiency of needs would be insignificant. The results indicate that needs follow a descending pattern and that Maslow's theory has little empirical support.