Final answer:
Abraham Maslow proposed the hierarchy of needs model, which is a progression from basic survival needs to self-actualization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theorist who proposed the hierarchy of needs model to describe human motivations was Abraham Maslow. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs begins with the most basic physiological needs for survival, such as food and water, and moves up through needs for safety, belonging and love, esteem, and eventually to the highest-level need of self-actualization. Maslow believed in a progressive fulfillment of needs, where the satisfaction of lower-level needs enables individuals to pursue higher-level needs, culminating in the realization of one's full potential. However, it's also important to note that this theory has received criticism for its subjective nature and insufficient explanation of some real-world phenomena.