Replacing Maslow’s needs hierarchy with an account based on stage and value.

Abstract

Maslow’s needs hierarchy consisted of a set of mentalistic inferences. The new account takes the same situations that Maslow accounts for while using behavioral metrics. This model of value and stage is applied to Maslow’s needs hierarchy model. Needs may be understood as primary and secondary reinforcers that change with stage. Primary reinforcers are biologically built-in, such as food, sleep, and social stimuli. Secondary reinforcers are learned when paired with a primary reinforcer. For example, money is a powerful reinforcer when paired with things it can purchase. Secondary reinforcers are stimuli that have conditioned become reinforcing by pairing with a previously reinforcing stimulus. As one moves up in stage, secondary reinforcers become more complex. Individuals who understand complex contingencies may be more likely to act on long term benefits. An example of a secondary reinforcer is money. Individuals who score higher on Maslow’s hierarchy should also show higher stage social perspective taking skill.