Students either wrote about the benefits of raising tuition (counter-attitudinal)🔄, or about other educational policies they think should be discussed (neutral) . Of those who wrote about raising tuition, some were told writing was totally optional (high-choice) while others were not (low-choice).

Those who wrote on benefits of raising tuition felt more conflicted and uncomfortable and had more positive attitudes towards raising tuition than those who wrote neutral essays. However, those who were told the essay is optional did not show a greater attitude change (🚫induced compliance).