Why is It Important That an Experiment Include a Control

Question

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.

Accepted Answer

Without a control group, it is impossible to determine if a particular result is due to the variable being tested or some other factor. The control group serves as a baseline for comparison, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of the variable they are manipulating. This is essential for drawing meaningful conclusions and making accurate predictions based on the results of the experiment.