In an experiment, the control group is the group of:
A) scientists who determine the value to be assigned to the independent variable.
B) administrators who determine whether a given procedure is ethical.
C) participants who are exposed to all experimental conditions, except the independent or treatment variable.
D) participants who are exposed only to the dependent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The control group in an experiment is the group of participants who are exposed to all the experimental conditions except the independent variable or treatment. This is done to establish a baseline level of behavior that can be compared to the experimental group that is exposed to the independent variable. The control group is essential for drawing valid conclusions about the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable. Option A is incorrect as scientists do not constitute the control group, rather they design and execute the experiment. Option B is incorrect as administrators' role is to ensure ethical procedures are maintained, they do not form the control group. Option D is incorrect as the participants in the experiment exposed only to the dependent variable are not tested by comparison to another group or intervention.

In an Experiment, the Control Group Is the Group Of