What is the difference between the control group and the experimental group in an experimental study?

In an experimental study, the control group and the experimental group serve distinct roles in assessing the effects of a treatment or intervention.

1. **Experimental Group**: This group receives the treatment or intervention being tested. For example, if a new drug is introduced, the experimental group would be given this drug to evaluate its effectiveness or impact on a particular condition or outcome.

2. **Control Group**: In contrast, the control group does not receive the experimental treatment. Instead, they may receive a placebo (a harmless substance with no therapeutic effect) or standard treatment that is already in use. The purpose of the control group is to provide a baseline for comparison, allowing researchers to determine if any changes observed in the experimental group are due to the treatment itself rather than other confounding factors.

By comparing results from the experimental group and the control group, researchers can draw more accurate conclusions about the efficacy and safety of the treatment being studied.