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In simple terms, the control group comprises participants who do not receive the experimental treatment. When conducting an experiment, these people are randomly assigned to this group. They also closely resemble the participants who are in the experimental group or the individuals who receive the treatment. Experimenters utilize variables to make comparisons between an experimental group and a control group. A variable is something that researchers can manipulate, measure, and control in an experiment. The independent variable is the aspect of the experiment that the researchers manipulate (or the treatment). The dependent variable is what the researchers measure to see if the independent variable had an effect. While they do not receive the treatment, the control group does play a vital role in the research process. Experimenters compare the experimental group to the control group to determine if the treatment had an effect. By serving as a comparison group, researchers can isolate the independent variable and look at the impact it had. Control Group vs. Experimental GroupThe simplest way to determine the difference between a control group and an experimental group is to determine which group receives the treatment and which does not. To ensure that the results can then be compared accurately, the two groups should be otherwise identical. Control Group
Experimental Group
Why a Control Group Is ImportantWhile the control group does not receive treatment, it does play a critical role in the experimental process. This group serves as a benchmark, allowing researchers to compare the experimental group to the control group to see what sort of impact changes to the independent variable produced. Because participants have been randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group, it can be assumed that the groups are comparable. Any differences between the two groups are, therefore, the result of the manipulations of the independent variable. The experimenters carry out the exact same procedures with both groups with the exception of the manipulation of the independent variable in the experimental group. Types of Control GroupsThere are a number of different types of control groups that might be utilized in psychology research. Some of these include:
Examples of Control GroupsControl groups can be used in a variety of situations. For example, imagine a study in which researchers example how distractions during an exam influence test results. The control group would take an exam in a setting with no distractions, while the experimental groups would be exposed to different distractions. The results of the exam would then be compared to see the effects that distractions had on test scores. Experiments that look at the effects of medications on certain conditions are also examples of how a control group can be used in research. For example, researchers looking at the effectiveness of a new antidepressant might use a control group that receives a placebo and an experimental group that receives the new medication. At the end of the study, researchers would compare measures of depression for both groups to determine what impact the new medication had. After the experiment is complete, researchers can then look at the test results and start making comparisons between the control group and the experimental group. Uses for Control GroupsResearchers utilize control groups to conduct research in a range of different fields. Some common uses include:
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By Kendra Cherry
Thanks for your feedback! What is important about a control group?The control group is important because it serves as a baseline, enabling researchers to see what sort of impact changes to the independent variable produce and strengthening researchers' ability to draw conclusions from a study.
What is the purpose for using a control group in an experiment quizlet?A control group in a scientific experiment is a group separated from the rest of the experiment, where the independent variable being tested cannot influence the results. This isolates the independent variable's effects on the experiment and can help rule out alternative explanations of the experimental results.
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