Final answer:
The notion that one must have expectations of others to stay motivated in college is false. Motivation can be influenced by a variety of factors, including self-efficacy, intrinsic joy of learning, extrinsic career goals, and societal pressures, not solely by expectations of others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Expectation and motivation are closely linked within the context of education, particularly in a college setting. The statement that one needs to have expectations of others to stay motivated is false. While expectations can play a role in shaping behavior and motivating individuals, self-efficacy and personal goals are often more direct drivers of motivation. Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own capabilities to succeed in specific tasks, which can powerfully influence motivation. In education, this might manifest as a student believing in their ability to master course material and achieve good grades. Furthermore, expectation of societal norms, such as the importance of a college degree for societal success, can indeed shape individuals' motivations to pursue higher education, but motivation can also be driven by intrinsic factors such as the joy of learning or extrinsic factors like career prospects.
Albert Bandura's theory on self-efficacy highlights the idea that motivation comes from the expectations we have about the consequences of our behaviors and how we view our ability to perform certain tasks. Additionally, the need for achievement, one of the social motives identified by experts, drives performance and accomplishment. Concepts like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs also outline how needs from the biological to the social can influence motivation. Moreover, arousal theory explains how individuals seek to maintain optimal levels of stimulation, which can motivate a student's engagement with educational tasks.
Therefore, while expectations from both oneself and society can contribute to motivation in a college setting, they are not a mandatory component for maintaining motivation. Individuals are often motivated by a variety of factors including personal interests, desired outcomes, and societal pressures or rewards.