In scientific experiments, what is the purpose of a control group?

The purpose of a control group in scientific experiments is to provide a baseline for comparison. This allows researchers to understand how the independent variable affects the dependent variable by comparing the results from the experimental group with those from the control group.

In the control group, the conditions remain constant, and no experimental treatment is applied. This setup helps to isolate the effect of the variable being tested, ensuring that any differences observed in the experimental group can be attributed specifically to that variable rather than other factors. By having a baseline, scientists can accurately measure the impact of the changes made in the experimental group, enhancing the validity of their results.