What psychological concept explains the needs for achievement, affiliation, and power?

The concept that encompasses the needs for achievement, affiliation, and power is best encapsulated by motivation theory. This theory delves into what drives individuals to act, and these specific needs represent various motivational factors that influence people's behaviors and aspirations.

The need for achievement refers to the desire to excel and succeed in tasks, the need for affiliation highlights the importance of social relationships and connections with others, and the need for power focuses on the desire to influence or control others. Together, these needs form a foundational aspect of motivation theory, which seeks to understand what propels individuals to achieve goals, foster relationships, or seek influence.

In contrast, the other options focus on distinct perspectives: incentive theory emphasizes external rewards, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs outlines a progression of needs from basic to complex, and drive theory relates to biological drives that motivate behavior. While all these theories offer valuable insights into human behavior, motivation theory specifically addresses the nuances associated with achievement, affiliation, and power as focal points of motivation among individuals.