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control group
When doing experiments you have to have a control group and an experimental group. The control group is not given a drug (for example), while the experimental group is. This will show (later on) if the drug had a real effect. Sometimes the control group will be given what is called a placebo. This looks just like the drug that the experimental group is given, except it has nothing in it.
Control groups do not test the variable or action. They are a constant comparative base. The experimental group has one different variable. They two are compared to see what affect (if any) the variable has. The control group is not exposed or subjected to what they're testing. The experimental group is. For example, a control group and an experimental group may each consume the same foods, on the same schedule. The experimental group would also receive a nutritional supplement, to see if it had any beneficial effect. This would ideally be the only major difference in the two groups.
experimental group
The control group.