What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

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The purpose of a control group in an experiment is to establish a baseline for comparison, allowing researchers to understand how the experimental conditions affect the outcomes. By maintaining a group under normal conditions, researchers can observe and measure how the results differ when variables are manipulated in the experimental group. This difference is critical for determining the effects of the variable being tested and evaluating the validity of the hypothesis.

While a control group can indeed help test a hypothesis by providing comparative data, its primary function is to serve as a standard against which experimental outcomes can be measured. It does not necessarily eliminate variables but rather allows for better identification of the impact of the specific variables being studied. Additionally, while control groups contribute to accurate data measurement, this is not their main purpose; they facilitate understanding of changes relative to normal conditions.

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