National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

In a scientific study, what is Group B referred to if it receives only water while Group A receives a drug?

1. Experimental group

2. Control group

3. Treatment group

4. Placebo group

The correct answer is: Control group

In a scientific study, Group B is referred to as the control group because it serves as a baseline for comparison against the experimental group, which in this case is Group A that receives a drug. The control group's role is to isolate the effect of the drug administered to the experimental group; it allows researchers to determine whether any observed changes in Group A can be attributed to the drug or if they might be due to other factors. By providing only water to Group B, the study helps ensure that any difference in outcomes between the groups can be more accurately assessed, thus validating the results of the experiment. While the experimental or treatment group is vital for assessing the effectiveness of the drug, the control group is equally crucial in establishing a reference point, lacking the active intervention administered to the experimental group. The distinction between these groups is fundamental in experimental design to ensure that the findings are valid and reliable.