What is the primary reason for using a control group in experiments?

Using a control group in experiments serves as a baseline for comparison, which is essential for assessing the effects of the independent variable being tested. By comparing outcomes from the experimental group, which receives the treatment or intervention, to those from the control group, which does not, researchers can discern whether the observed effects are truly due to the treatment or if they could be attributed to other factors such as chance or pre-existing differences among participants.

This comparative analysis strengthens the validity of the experiment's findings. A control group helps to exclude alternative explanations for the results, allowing researchers to draw more reliable conclusions regarding cause-and-effect relationships. Without a control group, it would be challenging to determine the true impact of the independent variable, making it a critical component of scientific experimentation.