The purpose of using a placebo control group in an experiment is often to:
A) measure the effects of the dependent variable.
B) dupe the subject into accepting the experiment's results.
C) control for expectancy effects.
D) persuade other researchers that the experiment is valid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The purpose of using a placebo control group in an experiment is to control for expectancy effects. Expectancy effects occur when a participant's expectations about the effects of a treatment or intervention influence their behavior or response, rather than the treatment itself. By including a placebo control group, researchers can determine if the effects of the treatment are due to the actual treatment or simply the participants' beliefs about receiving a treatment.

The Purpose of Using a Placebo Control Group in an Experiment