Guides ยท Science
Science Experimental Controls Basics
Understand controls and confounders
This guide explains why experimental controls matter: control groups, blinding, randomization, and how to identify confounders that can distort conclusions.
- controls
- confounders
- randomization
- blinding
- experiments
Control groups
Compare against a baseline to isolate the effect of the intervention.
Randomization
Random assignment reduces systematic differences between groups.
Blinding
Blinding reduces bias in measurement and behavior when outcomes are subjective.
Identify confounders
Look for variables that influence both the treatment and outcome and need to be controlled.