In an experiment testing plant fertilizer effectiveness, what would be true of the control group?

The control group in an experiment is crucial for establishing a baseline against which the effects of the treatment can be measured. In the context of testing plant fertilizer effectiveness, the primary function of the control group is to ensure that the changes observed in the experimental group (the group receiving the treatment, such as a specific type of fertilizer) can be attributed solely to the treatment itself.

By not applying any fertilizer to the control group, it allows researchers to observe the natural growth and development of the plants without any external enhancements. This lack of fertilizer facilitates a clear comparison with the experimental group, where the effects of the fertilizer can be measured and evaluated.

In contrast, applying synthetic fertilizer, organic fertilizer, or excessive sunlight to the control group would introduce additional variables that could potentially confound the results, making it impossible to draw accurate conclusions about the fertilizer's effectiveness. Thus, having a control group that does not receive any fertilizer is essential for validating the experimental results.