What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

The purpose of a control group in an experiment is to provide a baseline for comparison. A control group is crucial because it allows researchers to determine the effect of the treatment being tested by comparing the outcomes in the experimental group (which receives the treatment) to those in the control group (which does not receive the treatment or receives a standard treatment). By measuring the differences in outcomes between these two groups, researchers can better understand the true impact of the treatment being studied.

The control group helps isolate the effect of the treatment from other variables, ensuring that any observed changes can be attributed to the treatment itself rather than external factors or random chance. This comparison is essential for validating the results of the experiment and ensuring that any conclusions drawn are scientifically sound.