The hierarchy of needs is a theory developed by Abraham Maslow in 1943. The five stages of this hierarchy include basic needs such as food and shelter, sex and safety, and love and belongingness. The higher the level of a person’s capabilities, the greater his or her freedom and ability to fulfill his or her needs. As Maslow explains, a person’s basic physiological needs must be met before other, higher-value needs are met.
Needs are essential to the survival of any organism. Humans have both basic and societal needs. These needs are objective, physical, and psychic, and form a common substrate in many fields. Psychologists define need as an arousing psychological feature that drives an organism to action. It is also a motivating factor in human behavior. Often, we use need to describe the behavior we desire in our lives. Here are some common examples.
At Franklin & Marshall College, financial aid is awarded based on the student’s need and financial capacity. Students are eligible for need-based aid every year of college. Merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded based on talent and achievement. To apply for a need-based grant or scholarship, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application opens on October 1 every year. Applying early increases the student’s chances of receiving the financial aid. However, remember that these funds are awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis.