Why is it important that an experiment include a control group?
A) The control group is the group that the researcher is in control of, the group in which the researcher predetermines the results.
B) The control group provides a reserve of experimental subjects.
C) A control group is required for the development of an "If…then" statement.
D) A control group assures that an experiment will be repeatable.
E) Without a control group, there is no basis for knowing if a particular result is due to the variable being tested.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without a control group, there is no basis for knowing if a particular result is due to the variable being tested. The control group provides a baseline against which the experimental group can be compared, and allows for the determination of whether the effects observed in the experimental group are due to the variable being tested or other extraneous factors. Therefore, including a control group is crucial to ensuring the validity and reliability of an experiment.

Why Is It Important That an Experiment Include a Control