The term ________ group refers to the no-treatment condition in a research study.

The term "control group" refers to the no-treatment condition in a research study because it serves as a baseline against which the effects of the experimental treatment can be measured. In experimental research, participants are typically divided into at least two groups: one that receives the treatment (the experimental group) and one that does not (the control group).

The control group provides a critical comparison that helps researchers determine whether any observed effects in the experimental group can be attributed to the treatment itself rather than other factors such as psychological effects, environmental influences, or natural variations in the subjects. By having a control group, researchers can more confidently attribute changes in outcomes solely to the manipulation of the independent variable.

In different contexts, terms like placebo might be used, especially in clinical trials, but the primary and most straightforward term for the no-treatment group is control group. This distinction is essential in research design to ensure valid and reliable conclusions.