What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

The purpose of a control group in an experiment is to provide a baseline for comparison. This baseline allows researchers to understand the effects of the experimental treatment by comparing the results from the experimental group to those from the control group, which does not receive the treatment. By having this control group, scientists can determine whether any observed changes in the experimental group are indeed due to the treatment itself or might be attributed to other factors.

For instance, if a researcher is testing a new fertilizer, the control group would not receive this fertilizer but would be treated the same in all other respects (e.g., same soil, same water, same sunlight). This controlled environment allows the researcher to isolate the effect of the fertilizer, leading to clearer, more reliable results about its effectiveness.

Understanding this concept is crucial in scientific experimentation, as it underpins the validity of research findings.