General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a part of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

1. Self-actualization

2. Esteem

3. Safety

4. Supply and demand

The correct answer is: Supply and demand

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that outlines a series of five levels of human needs, typically arranged in a pyramid. The levels, starting from the most basic, include physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. The elements of self-actualization, esteem, and safety are all integral parts of this hierarchy. Self-actualization reflects the desire for personal growth and fulfillment, esteem pertains to the need for respect and recognition, and safety encompasses the need for security and stability in one’s environment. In contrast, "supply and demand" is an economic concept that describes the relationship between the quantity of a good or service available and the desire for that good or service. It does not relate to human motivation or psychological needs, and therefore does not fit into Maslow's framework. This distinction clarifies why the choice of "supply and demand" is the only option that does not belong to Maslow's hierarchy of needs.