Control group

Definition

A control group is a group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment being tested, serving as a baseline to compare the effects of the treatment. It helps researchers determine if changes in the experimental group are due to the treatment or other factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The control group is essential for establishing causality in an experiment.
2. It should be as similar as possible to the experimental group except for the factor being tested.
3. Control groups help eliminate alternative explanations by providing a comparison point.
4. Sometimes placebos are used in control groups, especially in medical studies.
5. Data from control groups can reveal natural variations and external influences on experimental results.

Review Questions

• Why is a control group important in an experiment?
• How does a control group differ from an experimental group?
• What role do placebos play in control groups?

Related terms

Experimental Group: one sentence definition

Placebo: one sentence definition

Variable: one sentence definition