What do we call the group that is not exposed to the treatment in an experiment?

The group that is not exposed to the treatment in an experiment is called the control group. This group serves as a benchmark against which the effects of the treatment can be compared. By having a control group, researchers can observe how the experimental group responds to the treatment while ensuring that the conditions remain as similar as possible for both groups. This helps isolate the effects of the treatment from other variables, allowing for clearer conclusions about its efficacy.

In many experiments, the control group may receive a placebo or no treatment at all while all other conditions are maintained identical to those in the experimental group. This comparison is crucial because it allows scientists to determine whether any observed changes in the experimental group can indeed be attributed to the treatment itself rather than other external factors.