Assessment Task 2: Comparative Analysis of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages
Course Code: PSY201 – Developmental Psychology
Assessment Type: Individual Written Essay
Word Count: 1,200–1,500 words (excluding references)
Weighting: 35% of final grade
Due Date: Week 8, Friday 5:00 PM (submit via LMS)
Assessment Description
Examine the key principles of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Compare and contrast how these theories explain human motivation and growth across the lifespan. Discuss their practical applications in educational, clinical, or organizational settings, supported by contemporary evidence.
Task Requirements
- Introduce both theories with clear definitions and structures.
- Analyse intersections and differences between the models.
- Provide at least two real-world examples illustrating theory application.
- Critically evaluate strengths, limitations, and relevance today.
- Use APA 7th edition for citations and references (minimum 8 credible sources).
- Structure: Introduction (10%), Body (80%), Conclusion (10%).
Marking Rubric
| Criteria | HD (85-100%) | D (75-84%) | C (65-74%) | P (50-64%) | F (<50%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of Theories (30%) | Exceptional insight; nuanced explanations with original synthesis. | Strong grasp; accurate and detailed. | Adequate knowledge; some depth. | Basic coverage; gaps evident. | Inaccurate or superficial. |
| Analysis & Comparison (30%) | Perceptive comparisons; critical evaluation throughout. | Clear links; good evaluation. | Some comparison; limited critique. | Descriptive; minimal analysis. | No meaningful comparison. |
| Application & Evidence (20%) | Insightful examples; seamless integration of sources. | Relevant applications; well-supported. | Basic examples; adequate sources. | Few examples; weak evidence. | No application or sources. |
| Structure & Writing (10%) | Coherent, engaging; flawless academic style. | Well-organised; minor errors. | Logical flow; some issues. | Disorganised; frequent errors. | Poor structure; unreadable. |
| Referencing (10%) | Impeccable APA; diverse, current sources. | Consistent; appropriate sources. | Mostly correct; some errors. | Inconsistent; limited sources. | Missing or incorrect. |
Sample Response Extract
Maslow’s hierarchy positions physiological needs at the base, progressing to self-actualization at the apex. People prioritize survival before pursuing growth, as lower unmet needs block higher motivations. Erikson outlines eight stages, each defined by a psychosocial crisis resolved through social experiences from infancy to old age. Trust versus mistrust forms in the first year when caregivers provide reliable care. These frameworks connect when early Eriksonian resolutions support Maslow’s belongingness needs; secure infants build relationships that fuel esteem later. A study on “hierarchy of needs in self-determination theory” by Deci and Ryan (2008) shows how autonomy aligns self-actualization with intrinsic goals.
Recent longitudinal data from the Dunedin Study tracks 1,000 participants over 40 years, revealing that early trust resolution correlates with higher self-actualization scores in midlife (Moffitt et al., 2020, Psychological Science). This evidence underscores Erikson’s stages as predictors of Maslow’s peak, particularly in adverse environments where safety nets amplify growth trajectories.
Students often overlook cultural variations; Maslow’s model assumes universal progression, yet collectivist societies prioritise belonging before individual esteem (Hofstede, 2019). Western applications fit individualism, but adaptations for diverse classrooms demand nuance. For Australian educators, integrating Indigenous relational models bridges gaps in both theories.
References
- Erikson, E. H. (1994). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company. https://doi.org/10.1037/10357-000
- Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0054346
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Self-determination theory: A macrotheory of human motivation, development, and health. Canadian Psychology, 49(3), 182–185. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0012801
- McLeod, S. (2023). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
- Hofer, J. (2020). Cultural differences in self-actualization. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 51(2), 112–130. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022119896519
Assessment: Week 10 Discussion Post
Course Code: PSY201 – Developmental Psychology
Task: Initial Post (400–500 words) + 2 Peer Responses (150 words each). Discuss Piaget’s cognitive stages versus Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. Apply to modern remote learning challenges post-COVID. Support with one peer-reviewed source. Due Week 10, Wednesday.
Weighting: 15%. Rubric focuses on critical application (40%), evidence (30%), engagement (30%).