Final answer:
The core concept of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before addressing higher-level needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core concept of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before addressing higher-level needs. The hierarchy is represented as a pyramid, with physiological needs at the base, followed by needs for safety and security, love and belonging, and self-esteem.
The top tier of the pyramid is self-actualization, which is the need to achieve one's full potential. This implies that an individual must have their physiological, safety, love/belonging, and self-esteem needs met before they can reach self-actualization.