National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

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What is the purpose of a control in an experiment?

  1. Provide results to compare to

  2. Eliminate variables

  3. Ensure the experiment is repeatable

  4. Assess the reliability of the instruments used

The correct answer is: Provide results to compare to

The purpose of a control in an experiment is to provide a baseline or standard for comparison. By having a control group or condition that does not receive the experimental treatment, researchers can observe the changes that result from the experimental conditions and determine if those changes are significant. This allows for a clearer understanding of the effect being tested, as it highlights the differences caused by the manipulation of the independent variable while accounting for other factors that may influence the results. In this context, the control group serves as a reference point to verify whether the observed effects in the experimental group are actually due to the treatment or if they could have occurred naturally. The other choices focus on aspects of the experimental design and methodology, such as eliminating variables and ensuring repeatability, which are indeed important components of a well-structured experiment. However, they do not capture the primary function of the control, which is essential for making meaningful comparisons and conclusions.