The scientist’s research challenged the common belief that the use of external stimuli to reduce itching was ineffective, even when those stimuli seemed benign. Ward and colleagues found that while harmless applications of vibration or warming could provide a temporary distraction, these innocuous stimuli actually offered less relief than a stimulus that seemed less benign, like a mild electric shock. This finding suggests that as much as the use of external stimuli can be effective, the use of innocuous stimuli can be even more effective, especially when applied in the right context.
Which choice best corrects the error in the underlined portion of the sentence?
A. while harmless applications of vibration or warming can provide a temporary distraction, these innocuous stimuli actually offered less relief than a stimulus that seemed less benign, like a mild electric shock. This finding suggests that as much as the use of external stimuli can be effective, the use of innocuous stimuli can be even more effective, especially when applied in the right context.
B. while harmless applications of vibration or warming can provide a temporary distraction, these innocuous stimuli actually offered less relief than a stimulus that seemed less benign, like a mild electric shock. This finding suggests that as much as the use of external stimuli can be effective, the use of innocuous stimuli can be even more effective, especially when applied in the right context.
C. while harmless applications of vibration or warming can provide a temporary distraction, these innocuous stimuli actually offered less relief than a stimulus that seemed less benign, like a mild electric shock. This finding suggests that as much as the use of external stimuli can be effective, the use of innocuous stimuli can be even more effective, especially when applied in the right context.
D. while harmless applications of vibration or warming can provide a temporary distraction, these innocuous stimuli actually offered less relief than a stimulus that seemed less benign, like a mild electric shock. This finding suggests that as much as the use of external stimuli can be effective, the use of innocuous stimuli can be even more effective, especially when applied in the right context.
The underlined portion includes a comma splice, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. To correct this error, the comma should be replaced with a semicolon. Choice C is the only choice that makes this correction.