Performance approach goals are primarily characterized by what motivation?

Performance approach goals are primarily characterized by a desire for high grades and the demonstration of abilities. This type of motivation is centered on the individual's drive to showcase their competencies and to achieve success in comparison to others. Students motivated by performance approach goals often seek to outperform their peers and gain recognition for their achievements.

This contrasts with other motivations, such as focusing on personal improvement, which emphasizes self-progress rather than comparison with others. Similarly, avoidance of challenging tasks does not align with performance approach goals, as individuals with this mindset tend to seek out challenges that allow them to prove their abilities. Lastly, the pursuit of intrinsic satisfaction speaks to motivation that comes from personal enjoyment and fulfillment in the task itself, rather than from external recognition or comparison. Thus, the essence of performance approach goals lies in the aim to achieve high performance relative to others, highlighting the motivation to demonstrate one's capabilities effectively.