FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Human Behavior and Effective CommunicationEasy
A student pilot has just learned that his employer will terminate him if he does not pass his private pilot checkride within two weeks. During his next lesson, he seems unusually preoccupied with keeping his job and shows little interest in mastering new maneuvers. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level is dominating this student's behavior?
- ASelf-actualization needs
- BEsteem needs
- CSafety needs
- DPhysiological needs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Safety needs
Job and income security are classic safety needs. Until these lower-level needs are satisfied, a person's attention and motivation remain focused there rather than on higher-level growth needs like esteem or self-actualization.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Self-actualization is about reaching one's full potential, far above this immediate concern.
- B. Esteem needs involve recognition and self-respect, which is not the concern here.
- D. Physiological needs relate to survival essentials like food and air, not job security.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
A model describing human motivation as a progression from basic survival needs to higher-level psychological growth needs.
- Lower needs must be largely met before higher ones motivate behavior
- Safety needs include job security, stability, and freedom from fear
- Instructors should recognize unmet needs that block learning readiness
Memory trick: Please Stop Loving Extra Sandwiches (Physiological, Safety, Love, Esteem, Self-actualization)