Denise went on a diet to lose some weight. When she went to lunch with some co-workers, she hesitated when it was her turn to order. Finally, she ordered the burger and fries instead of the salad and yogurt. She then justified her choice by telling herself that some protein every day is important for good health. Denise's tendency to focus on the positive aspects of her choice and minimize the negative aspects illustrates which of the following concepts in action?

a. the fundamental attribution error
b. cognitive dissonance
c. the self-effacing bias
d. informational social influence