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. 

Answered by Catherine C. Psychology tutor

5247 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

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


Outline the Behavioural approach to explaining phobias. (6)


Describe ethical considerations related to research at the biological level of analysis


How would you go about answering an exam question?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences