In a science experiment, which group is used for comparison while keeping other variables the same?

In a science experiment, which group is used for comparison while keeping other variables the same?

• A. Control group
• B. Experimental group
• C. Placebo group
• D. Random group

Answer: (A)

The idea is to compare results to a baseline while everything else stays constant. The group that doesn’t receive the tested change, or that receives standard conditions, provides that baseline for comparison. This group is the control group. By comparing outcomes between the control group and the group where you apply the change, you can tell whether the change caused the observed effect, since all other variables are kept the same. The other options aren’t used as the baseline in this setup: the experimental group is the one that gets the change, a placebo group is mainly used in medical studies to account for expectations, and a random group isn’t the standard term for a comparison baseline.

The idea is to compare results to a baseline while everything else stays constant. The group that doesn’t receive the tested change, or that receives standard conditions, provides that baseline for comparison. This group is the control group. By comparing outcomes between the control group and the group where you apply the change, you can tell whether the change caused the observed effect, since all other variables are kept the same. The other options aren’t used as the baseline in this setup: the experimental group is the one that gets the change, a placebo group is mainly used in medical studies to account for expectations, and a random group isn’t the standard term for a comparison baseline.