Which of the following is NOT a level in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological framework that categorizes human needs into five distinct levels, often represented as a pyramid. The levels, from the most basic to the highest, include physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

"Motivation" is not one of the official levels in this hierarchy. While motivation is a fundamental concept in psychology that drives individuals to fulfill their needs, it does not represent a specific category within Maslow’s model. Instead, motivation can be considered a driving force that influences how individuals pursue fulfillment across the established levels.

The other terms—esteem, self-actualization, and safety—are recognized levels. Esteem relates to the need for respect, recognition, and self-esteem; self-actualization pertains to realizing one's potential and personal growth; and safety encompasses the need for security and protection from harm. Thus, the identification of "motivation" as not being a level in Maslow's framework is accurate and aligns with the general understanding of his theory.