In scientific terms, what is a control group often compared to?

A control group is often compared to an experimental group in scientific research. The main purpose of a control group is to serve as a baseline that researchers can use to measure how the independent variable (the factor being tested) affects the dependent variable.

When researchers perform an experiment, they manipulate one variable while keeping other conditions constant to isolate the effects of that manipulation. The experimental group experiences the change in the independent variable, while the control group does not, allowing scientists to draw conclusions about the results. By comparing data from both groups, researchers can determine if changes in the experimental group are genuinely due to the independent variable or if they could be attributed to other factors. This comparison is fundamental in establishing the validity and reliability of the experimental results.