Indiana Social Studies P.5.5

Social StudiesGrades 9–12Personality, Assessment, and Stress

The Standard

Describe and differentiate motivational theories as an explanation of what drives human behavior.

2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain how body needs, outside rewards, stimulation, and belonging can drive behavior. They match each explanation to a motivation theory and tell the theories apart.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a new example, students name a theory and point to the detail that supports it. They can explain how a second theory might also fit the same behavior.
Common Misconceptions: Students may assume every choice is about getting a reward, even when hunger or boredom better explains it. They may also think people must meet each level of Maslow's hierarchy in a fixed order.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A student eats after skipping breakfast, then enters a contest for a prize. Name the theory that best explains each choice and give one clue for each answer.

Lesson moves

Give pairs cards showing hunger, a prize, boredom, and joining a club; have them sort the cards under theory labels.
Ask: Why might a student join a club after moving schools? Compare belonging needs with the chance to win a trophy.
Play Name the Theory: read new scenarios aloud, then have students hold up theory cards and explain their picks.
Show a cafeteria menu and a free-dessert coupon; ask whether hunger or a reward better explains a student's lunch choice.

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