What is the difference between mastery goals and performance goals ?

The correct answer is: Mastery goals are focused on improving one’s own skills and understanding of a task, while performance goals are focused on achieving a high grade or receiving external rewards.

Explanation:

In educational psychology, achievement goal theory distinguishes between two primary types of goals that motivate individuals during learning tasks:

1. Mastery Goals (Learning Goals): These goals center on intrinsic motivation, self-improvement, gaining deep understanding, and mastering a skill or concept. Individuals with mastery goals evaluate their success based on personal growth, progress, and effort, rather than comparing themselves to others.

2. Performance Goals: These goals center on extrinsic motivation, demonstrating ability relative to others, receiving external validation (such as high grades, rewards, or praise), or avoiding the appearance of incompetence. Individuals with performance goals focus on the outcome rather than the learning process itself.

Therefore, the key distinction is that mastery goals focus on self-improvement and task understanding, whereas performance goals focus on external rewards and comparative achievement.