control experiment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A 'controlled experiment' is the overall study where variables are carefully managed. The 'control experiment' (or 'control') is a specific part of that study—a parallel test where the variable of interest is not applied, used as a comparison baseline.

Typically, a well-designed experiment has one primary control. However, complex designs might include multiple control groups or conditions to rule out different confounding factors. It is more precise to call these 'control groups' or 'control conditions' within a single controlled experiment.

In rigorous experimental science, yes, it is considered essential for establishing causality. In observational or descriptive studies, a formal control experiment may not be feasible, but researchers will seek other means of comparison.

Yes, but it's a metaphorical extension. It can be used in business, social policy, or everyday language to describe a standard or baseline scenario used for comparison, e.g., 'We used last year's sales figures as a control experiment for our new marketing strategy.'

A standard scientific experiment used for comparison against which the results of a primary experiment are measured.

Control experiment is usually academic/scientific/technical in register.

Control experiment: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtrəʊl ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtroʊl ɪkˈspɛrəmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.