Which of the Following Research on Cognitive Dissonance Processes Could

Which of the following research on cognitive dissonance processes could MOST clearly be considered the first empirical demonstrations of what phenomenon?

A) Freud's contention that psychological defenses substantially influence thoughts and behavior
B) James's contention that self-esteem is an important motivational force
C) the idea that people will sometimes go against the fundamental motive for self-consistency
D) the idea that people are driven to make sense of the relationships between people and objects in their environment