What is the purpose of a control group in experimental research?

The purpose of a control group in experimental research is to act as a comparison tool for the experimental group. This is crucial because it allows researchers to isolate the effects of the independent variable that is being manipulated. By having a control group that does not receive the experimental treatment, researchers can make more accurate conclusions about the effects of the treatment on the experimental group.

When a control group is in place, it helps to account for other factors that could influence the results, such as placebo effects or external conditions affecting participants. This comparative perspective is essential for validating findings and ensuring that any observed differences in outcomes are indeed due to the experimental treatment itself and not some other extraneous factor. Thus, a control group provides a baseline against which changes in the experimental group can be measured, making it easier to establish any causal relationships.