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

The purpose of a control group in an experiment is to serve as a baseline for comparison. In experimental research, the control group is the group that does not receive the experimental treatment or intervention. This allows researchers to observe and measure the effects of the treatment by comparing outcomes between the control group and the experimental group, which does receive the treatment. By having a standard reference point, it becomes easier to determine whether any observed changes in the experimental group are attributable to the treatment rather than other factors.

Control groups help ensure that the results of an experiment are valid and can be attributed to the treatment itself. This baseline comparison is crucial for establishing cause-and-effect relationships, which are central to scientific inquiry and analysis.