American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

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What is the primary purpose of a control group in an experiment?

To eliminate selection bias
To provide a standard for comparison
To ensure random assignment
To increase the sample size

The correct answer is: To provide a standard for comparison

The primary purpose of a control group in an experiment is to provide a standard for comparison. This is essential for determining the effects of the experimental treatment. By having a control group, researchers can assess what happens under normal conditions without the intervention being tested. This allows for a clearer understanding of the causal relationship between the independent variable (the treatment or intervention) and the dependent variable (the outcome being measured). In essence, the control group helps to isolate the effect of the experimental treatment by accounting for other variables that might influence the outcome. Without a control group, it would be difficult to determine whether changes observed in the experimental group are due to the intervention or other factors, thereby ensuring the validity of the results. While the other options pertain to aspects of experimental design, they do not specifically capture the primary function of the control group, which is fundamentally about establishing a baseline for comparison against the experimental group.