Final answer:
Maslow concluded that basic physiological needs dominate motivation and must be satisfied before higher-level needs, leading to self-actualization, can be pursued. His hierarchy model, though influential, has faced criticism for its inability to account for all real-world behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abraham Maslow concluded that lower needs must be met before higher needs can be addressed based on the notion that basic physiological requirements such as food, water, and shelter are essential for survival and will dominate human motivation until they are fulfilled.
Furthermore, Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that once these fundamental needs are satisfied, individuals can pursue higher-level needs such as safety, love and belonging, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization. Self-actualization is the process of realizing one's full potential and is the pinnacle of Maslow's hierarchical model. However, Maslow's theory has been critiqued due to its subjective nature and because it does not always account for real-world occurrences, such as instances where individuals may sacrifice their basic needs for a higher purpose, as seen with Gandhi's hunger strikes.