Which of the following best describes a control group in an experiment?

A control group in an experiment is best described as a group that receives no treatment and serves as a benchmark for comparison against the experimental group. This is crucial because it allows researchers to see the effects of the independent variable being tested. By not subjecting the control group to the experimental conditions, researchers can ascertain whether any observed changes in the experimental group are due to the treatment or simply due to other external factors or fluctuations.

For example, if a new medication is being tested, the control group would not receive the medication, while the experimental group would. Observing the outcomes between these two groups provides insight into how effective the medication truly is compared to a baseline where no treatment is administered. This essential aspect of experimentation helps in establishing validity and reliability of results.