Control Group

Definition

In an experiment, the control group is the set that does not receive the treatment or intervention and is used as a benchmark to measure how other tested subjects do.

Related terms

Experimental Group: This is the group that receives the experimental treatment or intervention in an experiment.

Independent Variable: This is what researchers manipulate during an experiment to see its effect on another variable.

Dependent Variable: This is what researchers measure in an experiment and expect to change due to manipulation of independent variable.