What is the purpose of a control in an experiment?

The purpose of a control in an experiment is fundamentally to provide a baseline for comparison. By establishing a control group that does not receive the experimental treatment or the influence of the independent variable, researchers can observe what happens in the experimental group where the independent variable is applied. This comparison enables the researcher to determine whether any observed effects are indeed due to the manipulation of the independent variable or if they are attributable to other factors.

Having a control helps ensure that the results of the experiment are valid and can be confidently attributed to the changes made during the experiment. This is crucial in research, as it reduces the potential for confounding variables to influence the outcome. Without a control, it would be significantly more challenging to draw accurate conclusions about the cause-and-effect relationship between the variables being studied.