In a drug test, what is the group receiving a sugar pill called?

In a drug test, the group receiving a sugar pill is referred to as the control group. This group serves as a baseline comparison for the experimental group, which receives the actual treatment. The control group's role is crucial as it helps researchers determine the effects of the drug being tested by providing data on what happens without the drug's active ingredients.

While the term "placebo group" is often used interchangeably with "control group," it specifically describes participants who receive a placebo (like a sugar pill) rather than an active medication. The distinction lies in the fact that not all control groups necessarily receive a placebo, as they may instead receive standard treatment or no treatment at all. Thus, while both terms have relevance, the correct designation for the group in this context is the control group as it emphasizes its function in experimental design.