In the context of experiments, what is a control group typically used for?

In experiments, a control group plays a crucial role in establishing a baseline for comparison against the experimental group. This group does not receive the treatment or intervention that is being tested, allowing researchers to observe what happens under normal or standard conditions. By measuring outcomes in both the control and experimental groups, researchers can determine the effect of the experimental variable.

When results from the experimental group reveal changes or effects, comparing these results to the control group helps ascertain whether those changes can be attributed to the experimental treatment rather than other factors or random variation. This comparison is essential for validating the conclusions of the study, ensuring they are not merely due to chance.

In this context, the control group is critical for accurately measuring the effect of the experimental variable, providing reliable and valid data to support the hypothesis being tested.