Consider an experiment in which subjects are given a pill to test its effectiveness on reducing the duration of a cold. Which of the following is the best way to treat the control group?
A) Do nothing with the control group.
B) Give the control group two pills instead of one.
C) Give the control group a pill that does not affect the duration of colds.
D) Let the control group choose whether or not to take any pills.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best way to treat the control group is to give them a pill that does not affect the duration of colds. This provides a baseline for comparison with the experimental group receiving the actual pill being tested. Doing nothing with the control group (option A) would not allow for a comparison between the two groups. Giving the control group two pills (option B) would confound the results and not allow for a fair comparison. Letting the control group choose (option D) would also not guarantee that the groups are equivalent and could lead to biased results.

Consider an Experiment in Which Subjects Are Given a Pill