A researcher wants to know how effective a new suntan lotion is at preventing skin cancer caused by UV radiation. She uses mice as test subjects to model the effects for humans. Which of the following is the best control for this experiment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best control in this experiment is to have a group of mice that receives no suntan lotion while the test group receives the new lotion. This allows the researcher to compare the effects of the new lotion to the natural effects of UV radiation on the skin. Option A is not a control group because the mice in the control group are not receiving the same treatment as the test group. Option B is not a good control group because it alters the independent variable, the amount of UV radiation the mice receive. Option D is not a good control group because it introduces a confounding variable, genetic susceptibility, that could affect the results. Option E is not a good control group because it introduces a new variable, lotion in their drinking water, that has not been tested for its effectiveness in preventing skin cancer.

A Researcher Wants to Know How Effective a New Suntan