What is the primary purpose of using control groups in research?

The primary purpose of using control groups in research is to provide a baseline for comparison. In experimental research design, control groups serve as a standard against which the effects of the independent variable can be measured. By having a group that does not receive the treatment or intervention under investigation, researchers can determine whether any observed changes or effects in the experimental group are due to the intervention itself rather than external factors or random variation.

Control groups help isolate the specific impact of the treatment by controlling for other variables that could influence the outcome. This comparative framework enhances the validity of the research findings, making it easier to draw conclusions about the causal relationships being studied. Thus, the presence of a control group is critical for establishing the effectiveness of the intervention being tested.