What is the point of having a control group in a Psychological experiment?

A control group allows us to have a base recording that we can compare our experimental group to. A control group and an experimental group are treated in the same way except for the variable that we are manipulating (independent variable). The experimental group is exposed to it, while the control group isn’t. That way, if we do find a difference between the two groups at the end of the study, we can feel confident it is because of our manipulation. 

CC
Answered by Catherine C. Psychology tutor

7805 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is involved in the fight or flight response?


Outline the Strange Situation as a method of assessing attachment. Briefly explain two limitations to this method.


Discuss the use of token economies to manage schizophrenia


What are some key evaluation points of biological explanations of schizophrenia?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning