Control

Definition

A control is a standard of comparison for checking or verifying the results of an experiment. It helps isolate the effect of the independent variable by providing a baseline that remains unaffected by the experimental treatment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Controls are essential to validate the results of an experiment.
2. Positive controls are expected to produce a known response, ensuring that the experimental setup works correctly.
3. Negative controls do not receive the experimental treatment and should show no change, confirming the absence of confounding variables.
4. In biological experiments, controls help distinguish between actual effects and placebo effects.
5. Without proper controls, it is difficult to draw accurate conclusions from scientific data.

Review Questions

• Why are controls important in an experiment?
• What is the difference between a positive control and a negative control?
• How do controls contribute to the reliability of experimental results?

Related terms

Independent Variable: The variable that is manipulated or changed during an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable: The variable being tested and measured in an experiment; it is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Placebo Effect: A phenomenon where participants experience real changes in their condition despite receiving an inactive treatment, often due to their expectations.