What is the role of a "control group" in experimental research?

The role of a control group in experimental research is crucial for establishing a baseline against which the effects of the treatment or intervention can be measured. A control group consists of participants who do not receive the treatment being studied, which allows researchers to observe what happens to these individuals in comparison to those who do receive the treatment. This comparison helps in determining the efficacy of the intervention and rules out other variables that could influence the results.

Using a control group helps to minimize confounding factors that might skew the findings. For example, if only the treatment group shows improvement, researchers can validate that the treatment, rather than other influencing factors, is responsible for any changes observed. This is essential for ensuring that the conclusions drawn from the research are accurate and reliable.