Social science researchers use a control group that hasn't received the experimental stimulus in order to do what?
A) to measure the effect of the independent variable upon the control group
B) as another measure of the effect the independent variable has upon the dependent variable in the experimental group
C) as another measure of the effect the independent variable has upon the dependent variable in the control group
D) to measure the effect of the dependent variable upon the independent variable in the control group

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The control group is used as a comparison to the experimental group, which has received the experimental stimulus. By comparing the two groups, researchers can measure the effect of the independent variable (the stimulus) on the dependent variable (the outcome). Option A is incorrect because the control group has not received the experimental stimulus, so measuring the effect of the independent variable on the control group would not be useful. Option C and D are incorrect because the control group is not expected to have any effect on the dependent variable.

Social Science Researchers Use a Control Group That Hasn't Received