What is the significance of using a control group in an experiment?

The significance of using a control group in an experiment primarily lies in its role in establishing a baseline for comparison with the experimental group. A control group does not receive the treatment or intervention being tested, allowing researchers to observe the outcomes in a standardized environment without the influence of the experimental variable. This comparison is crucial for determining whether changes observed in the experimental group are genuinely due to the intervention or if they might have occurred naturally over time or due to other external factors.

By having this baseline, researchers can more accurately attribute any differences in outcomes solely to the treatment being evaluated. This enhances the internal validity of the study, making the findings more reliable and interpretable. Essentially, the control group acts as a reference point, enabling clearer conclusions about the effectiveness and impact of the experimental intervention being tested.