What can result from overconfidence during class discussions?

Overconfidence during class discussions can lead to false confidence, which is when an individual feels overly assured about their knowledge or understanding of a topic, despite lacking a thorough grasp of the material. This phenomenon occurs because overconfidence creates an illusion of competence, causing individuals to believe they know more than they actually do.

When someone exhibits false confidence, they might engage less in critical thinking and may not seek clarification or further information when needed. This can hinder genuine understanding and learning, as the individual may not recognize gaps in their knowledge. Instead of asking questions or looking for deeper insights, they may speak authoritatively even when they are misinformed.

In contrast, the other options—enhanced learning, improved participation, and better understanding of topics—depend on a balance between confidence and humility. While confidence can support participation, it must be rooted in actual knowledge for meaningful contributions to occur. If it becomes excessive, it detracts from true learning and comprehension, leading to the outcome of false confidence.