What is the function of a control group in an experimental study?

The function of a control group in an experimental study is to provide a comparison for the experimental group. This allows researchers to determine the effect of the treatment or intervention being tested by comparing the outcomes of those who received the treatment (the experimental group) to those who did not (the control group). The control group typically does not receive the treatment or may receive a placebo, which helps ensure that any changes observed in the experimental group can be attributed to the treatment itself rather than other factors.

By having a control group, researchers can assess whether the observed effects are significant or could have occurred by chance, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the treatment under investigation. This is crucial for drawing valid conclusions from the study and contributes to the reliability of the research findings.