Question

How do experimental and control group differ? Explain with the help of an example.

Answer 1

Experimental group: The subject in study who receive some special treatment in regard to the independent variable. In an experiment this group is administered the independent variable.

Control group: Control group is a comparison group.The independent variable is not administered on this group. Subjects in a study who do not receive the special treatment given to the experimental group.

The purpose is to see whether any difference occur in two groups as a result of application of independent variable an experimental group. For example, suppose, an experiment is carried out to study the effect of presence of others on helpful behaviour, one participant was putina situation requiring help, say, someone drowning in swimming pool, here five other people were also present, another participant was alone in the emergency situation.

In an experiment except for the experimental manipulation, other conditions are kept constant for both the groups.

Experimental group: The subject in study who receive some special treatment in regard to the independent variable.