What is the function of a control group in experimental research?

The function of a control group in experimental research is to provide a baseline for comparison without intervention. This is essential in determining the effectiveness of the treatment or intervention being tested. By having a control group that does not receive the experimental treatment, researchers can observe any changes in the experimental group and compare them to the control group. This comparison helps to isolate the effect of the treatment and ensures that any differences observed are attributed to the treatment rather than other variables.

In experimental designs, having a well-defined control group enhances the internal validity of the study by minimizing the influence of confounding variables. This means that researchers can make more reliable conclusions about the cause-and-effect relationship between the treatment and the outcome being measured.