What is the main function of a control group in psychological research?

The main function of a control group in psychological research is to provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group. This means that the control group does not receive the treatment or manipulation that is being tested. By keeping the control group under the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the treatment itself, researchers can observe the effects of the treatment more clearly. This comparison helps determine whether any observed changes in the experimental group are due to the treatment itself or if they might be attributed to other factors or pre-existing differences.

In psychological studies, establishing a control group is crucial for validating the results. It allows researchers to assess the effectiveness of an intervention by comparing outcomes against a standard or baseline condition, which is essential for making claims about cause-and-effect relationships.