What is the control group in a research study?

In a research study, the control group serves as a benchmark for comparing the effects of the treatment or intervention being investigated. This group is characterized by being not exposed to variations in the independent variable, which allows researchers to isolate the effects of that variable by comparing outcomes with another group that does receive the treatment.

By maintaining a control group, researchers can determine whether changes in the dependent variable are likely due to the effect of the independent variable rather than other extraneous factors. This approach enhances the internal validity of the experiment, ensuring that any observed differences can be attributed to the treatment rather than other variables. Thus, the control group plays a crucial role in establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship within the study's framework.