Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

control experiment

Noun

/kənˈtroʊl ˌɛkspəˈrɪmənt/

Definition

A control experiment is a scientific test designed to compare the effects of a variable with a baseline measurement. It helps to isolate the impact of the variable being tested by keeping other factors constant.

Examples

In the control experiment, the temperature was kept constant to observe its effect on plant growth.
Researchers conducted a control experiment to validate their hypothesis about the influence of light on photosynthesis.

Meaning

The main purpose of a control experiment is to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are solely due to the manipulation of the independent variable, rather than other external factors.