Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct choice is Abraham Maslow, who developed the Hierarchy of Needs, a psychological theory that suggests human motivation is based on a series of hierarchical needs. This model is often depicted as a pyramid, with basic physiological needs at the base (such as food, water, and shelter) and progressing up to safety, social belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization at the top. Maslow introduced this concept in the 1940s to explain how individuals prioritize their needs and motivations in life.

The other figures mentioned—Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, and Erik Erikson—are noted for their own significant contributions to psychology but are not associated with the development of Maslow's Hierarchy. Freud is known for his psychoanalytic theory, Rogers for his person-centered therapy, and Erikson for his stages of psychosocial development. Each has made substantial contributions to understanding human behavior and motivation, but Maslow's work specifically addresses the prioritization of needs, making him the correct answer in this context.