Control group

Definition

A control group is a group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or intervention being tested. It serves as a baseline to compare the effects of the treatment on other groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The control group helps to isolate the effect of the independent variable by providing a standard for comparison.
2. Participants in a control group are usually assigned randomly to ensure that the results are unbiased.
3. Control groups can receive a placebo, which is an inactive substance or treatment, to account for psychological effects.
4. The presence of a control group increases the internal validity of an experiment by minimizing confounding variables.
5. In business statistics, using a control group is essential for ethical experimental design and reliable data analysis.

Review Questions

• Why is random assignment important for creating a control group?
• What role does a placebo play in maintaining the integrity of a control group?
• How does having a control group improve the validity of an experiment?

Related terms

Experimental Group: The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention being tested.

Random Assignment: A process used to assign participants to different groups using randomization, ensuring each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group.

Placebo Effect: $\text{A phenomenon where participants experience changes due to their expectations about }$ receiving treatment rather than the treatment itself.