What role does the control group play in an experiment?

The control group plays a crucial role in experimental research by serving as a basis for comparison against the experimental group. In an experiment, the control group is not exposed to the treatment or intervention that is being tested, which allows researchers to isolate the effects of the treatment. By comparing outcomes between the control group and the experimental group, researchers can determine whether any observed differences in results are due to the treatment itself or other extraneous variables. This is essential for establishing causal relationships and ensuring that the findings of the experiment are valid and reliable. The clear distinction between the control group and the treatment group enhances the credibility of the conclusions drawn from the experiment.