What is the primary purpose of a control group in an experiment?

The primary purpose of a control group in an experiment is to serve as a baseline comparison to the experimental group. By having a control group that does not receive the treatment or intervention being studied, researchers can assess the effect of the independent variable by comparing the outcomes between the experimental group and the control group. This comparison allows for a clearer interpretation of the results, as any differences observed can be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than other extraneous factors.

A control group helps establish a standard against which the effects of the treatment can be measured, ensuring that the observed effects in the experimental group are due to the treatment and not other variables. This is crucial for validating the findings of the experiment and understanding the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.