![]() ![]() Making precise choices when deciding who or what to include in your control is so important. Your experiment can meet scientific method standards if you're careful in your group selections. Conduct your testsĪfter selecting your experimental and control groups, you can begin testing your experiment. Whether they are patients, plants or any other subject you wish to study, selecting those similar to your test group ensures that other variables have no or little effect on your experiment. When selecting the control group, make sure they're similar to your experimental group. Since they have not experienced the variable you're testing, you cannot attribute any effect observed to your independent variable in both groups.įor example, if both groups have improved mobility, it's not because of the tested exercise regime. Record the effects your control group exhibits and compare them to your experimental group. This is your baseline and is one of the most important aspects of your experiment. Pick a control groupĬhoose patients with the same condition as your experimental group but who either receive no treatment or the usual treatment for their condition. Assign this variable to an experimental group of patients. This eliminates the possibility of other variables affecting the outcome of your data. Make sure they perform the same actions in the same way for the same time. Consider picking one exercise for all patients. For example, several exercise regimens may aid arthritis patients' mobility. This step is important, as the variable you select directly affects your results. Now that you have a clearer idea of what you're testing and why, it's time to choose a variable to test. For example, if a psychologist observed that their patients benefit from spending time outside their house, the specific hypothesis becomes that periodically enjoying time away from home has a positive effect on their health and recovery. Doing so can help you determine the exact independent variable to use during your study. Refine your hypothesisĬhoose a more specific hypothesis with a question that needs answering and some observation-based data. This helps you decide which independent variables you wish to test and which groups are most likely to display the effects these variables may have. Record any observations you make about their type of arthritis, their regimen, and what effects it seems to have. If you're a medical professional trying to determine what effects a particular exercise regimen has on arthritic patients, note any patients doing similar exercises. Once you've settled on the question you hope to answer, begin making observations on the topic you want to study. Related: Types of Variables in Statistics and Research (With FAQs) 2. This is your hypothesis, the integral starting point for determining what your control is going to be. For example, you may see that your favourite plant dies when you spray it with milk. You usually base this question on something you've noticed in your environment and are curious about its cause. Your experiment begins with a question that needs an answer. Here are some steps to take when performing an experiment with a control group: 1. Related: How to Write a Cover Letter for Research Assistant Roles How to develop controls in an experimentĭeveloping control in an experiment depends on the independent variables you're testing. By comparing the impact on those who take medicine to those who don't, scientists can observe and measure the effects of the new medication. The control group receives no medicine or a placebo. You can use controls in science experiments, business research, cosmetic testing, and medication testing.įor example, when you test a new type of medicine, the group that receives the medication is called the experimented group. You can use it as a benchmark or a point of comparison against which you measure different test results. When experimenting, a control is an element that remains unchanged or unaffected by other variables. The answer to the question, "What is a control in an experiment?", involves understanding how you conduct an experiment. In this article, we answer the question, "What is a control in an experiment?", discuss its importance, explore different variables, discover how to develop it, and provide types of controls in experiments. Understanding the role of control can help you conduct efficient experiments that meet scientific method standards. A control variable, also known as a control group, is a set of subjects in an experiment that allows researchers to compare the results of the treatment group to a baseline. Many careers in medicine, science, and analysis involve conducting experiments to gather data. ![]()
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