In a classic marketing experiment regarding price anchoring, researchers adjusted the subscription options for a magazine. The options provided ______ some users were shown a "web-only" deal, while others saw a "print-and-web" bundle for the same price.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
differed, while
differed,
differed:
differed while
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The first part of the sentence ("The options provided differed") is an independent clause. The second part explains specifically how they differed. A colon is the correct punctuation to introduce this explanation.
Choice A is incorrect because "while" suggests a contrast in time rather than an explanation, and the comma usage is redundant. Choice B is incorrect because it creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma. Choice D is incorrect because it fuses two independent clauses without punctuation.