Distinguish between task orientation and ego orientation in Achievement Goal Theory.

• A. Task orientation emphasizes social comparison; Ego orientation emphasizes personal improvement and mastery.
• B. Ego orientation emphasizes personal improvement and mastery; Task orientation emphasizes outperforming others.
• C. Task orientation emphasizes personal improvement and mastery; Ego orientation emphasizes outperforming others and social comparison.
• D. They are unrelated to motivation.

Answer: (C)

In Achievement Goal Theory, the difference hinges on how success is defined. Task orientation means judging success by personal improvement and mastery of the task—focus is on learning, skill development, effort, and persistence, with progress measured against one’s own standards. Ego orientation means judging success by outperforming others and by social comparison—success is defined relative to peers and demonstrated ability. The statement that task orientation emphasizes personal improvement and mastery while ego orientation emphasizes outperforming others and social comparison captures these defining focuses. The other descriptions mix up these emphases or overlook the motivational way these orientations shape how people pursue and interpret achievement.