A control group is a standard in scientific experiments that helps researchers understand the effects of a treatment or intervention. It consists of participants who do not receive the experimental treatment, allowing scientists to compare results with those who do. This comparison helps isolate the impact of the treatment by minimizing the influence of other variables.
In a typical study, such as those involving medications or psychological therapies, the control group may receive a placebo or no treatment at all. This setup ensures that any observed changes in the experimental group can be attributed to the treatment rather than external factors.