Final answer:
The study by Bem and McConnell explored the effects of writing essays opposing student control over university curriculum. The results showed that students were more likely to change their attitudes and beliefs to align with the content of their essays.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study conducted by Bem and McConnell aimed to examine the effects of writing essays opposing student control over university curriculum.
The researchers had students write essays that went against their personal beliefs, and then measured the impact of this cognitive dissonance on their attitudes. The results of the study showed that when students wrote essays opposing their own views, they were more likely to change their attitudes and beliefs to align with the content of their essays.